Club Notes – 28th October 2013

Shamrocks celebrate 60 years.

Last Sunday was a another milestone in the history of the Shamrocks Hurling and Football Club as we celebrated our sixtieth year of existence with a day long series of events. First up was the U-14 hurling match in the field between Cois Bhride and Killeagh for the Tobin Cup. Despite fears about the weather, Sunday stayed mostly dry if a bit windy, and the two teams responded with a great display of hurling. While Killeagh are still playing championship at the moment, our lads hadn’t played as a team for a few months, and were understandably a bit rusty. We were also missing a few of our stronger players, but fair play to them they scored two goals in the first half and were only 5 points behind at half time. However Killeagh upped the intensity in the second half and so ran out convincing winners in the end. After the match Killeagh recieved the beautiful Tobin Cup, and both teams were presented with tokens. Then the Shamrock Girls U-12 and U-14 teams who both won county finals recently recieved their medals from Colm Roche and Eoin Murphy. The next item was the unveiling of a plaque and oak tree planted just inside the gate in memory of Billy O’ Keeffe, surely a worthy tribute to a man who gave so much of his spare time in the field looking after it, cutting grass, and the hundreds of other small jobs he undertook for many many years without fuss or complaint. Both Fr. Condon P.P. and former P.P. Fr. Mulcahy (looking hale and hearty in his 91st year) blessed the tree and we had contributions from Chairman Liam Ahearne, M.C. James Tobin, and also from Ciaran O’ Keeffe who spoke on behalf of the O’ Keeffe family. We are extremely grateful to Killeagh G.A.A. Club for sending the U-14 team, especially in light of the fact that Kevin Lane, one of the adult club’s most committed members was in critical condition in hospital, and indeed sadly passed away around the time of the match. Our deepest sympathies to all in the club on his passing. That concluded the activities in the field, so a little later the focus of attention turned to the K.G.K. Hall where the stunning array of photographs displayed on the wall were a major attraction. An excellent meal was then served up by Helen Murphy, and with a full house sitting down in the Hall, that was a lot of mouths to feed. Helen and her catering staff were as usual well up to the job, and the fare was excellent and went down a treat. M.C. James Tobin was in good voice and called on quite a few of the former players and officials who recalled some of their memories and stories from times past to the amusement of the captive audience. Finally Colm Roche, who won an All-Ireland minor hurling medal with Waterford, and Thomas Goulding, who won a Lory Meagher medal with Warwickshire, were presented with scrolls commemorating their achievements from the club. The scrolls, which were held in a frame, were made up by Patrick Geary, Moorehill, and were a fitting memorial to the two lads’ achievements this year, and we thank Patrick sincerely for his lovely work. That concluded the procedures in the Hall, so it was on to the Shamrock Inn where Liam Dalton and Ollie O’ Farrell were providing the music and indeed a good night was had by all into the early hours. A lot of planning and work went into this day of celebration, so the club would like to thank the sub committee, chaired by James Tobin for their work in running off this whole day so smoothly. These things don’t happen by accident, and a lot of people put in a serious amount of work. We thank James and his committee, as well as the usual volunteers who helped out and all those in the Hall as well. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful facility like the K.G.K.Hall available for functions such as this, so let’s wish the Shamrocks success in their endeavours over the next sixty years.

Photo shows the O’ Keeffe family standing behind the plaque and tree in honour of Billy O’ Keeffe unveiled in Knockanore last Sunday.

Club Lotto.
The numbers drawn last Saturday night were 1-5-13-14, and there was no winner. €20 winners were Battie McGrath, Oliver Flanagan, Liam Cashman, Tadgh & Eoin Keane, and Padraig Hynes. Next week’s jackpot will be €12,850.

Congratulations.
We extend our heartiest congratulations to Ballysaggart who won the Junior County final last Sunday beating Tramore by 9 points in Walsh Park. Have no doubt, they will be worthy opponents in next year’s Intermediate Championship and will certainly cause some upsets. Well done to all concerned.
We also send our congratulations to former player Mike Ryan who was married last Saturday in Cork.