The Kilmeena community has, once again, been thrust into grief and sadness to learn of the death of Mr. Tony Scott, a sincere friend and true Kilmeena G.A.A. stalwart. In the business world Tony was known for his heating and plumbing supplies company in Westport and in his native Kilmeena he was renowned for his loyalty and generousity to his friends and to Kilmeena G.A.A. Club.
Tony served as club secretary in 1967 and 1968. He was also Joint Chairman with Mr. Vincent Reilly in 1970. His football career spanned the 1960’s and early 1970’s. During those years he was a member of the 1968 team that won the West Mayo Junior title and he was also a worthy Captain for the Kilmeena Junior team tour of U.S.A. and Toronto in May 1970.
It was with great pride that Tony led his team into Gaelic Park where the annals of history would record Kilmeena Junior team to be the first club from Ireland to play there. His role as Captain was certainly commendable and he was a symbol of graceful leadership and decorum as he presented the team to Mayor Richard J. Daley in Chicago at a reception hosted by the Mayor.
Tony always declared that those memories were the highlight of his football years. Unfortunately, this talented outfield player had to succumb to serious illness following his return from the tour and retired at 23 years. Prior to his untimely retirement Tony also played in goal where his natural ability was inspirational for the team. His vast and relentless contribution on the field of play has been woven into the tapestry of Kilmeena football. Tony’s interest in Kilmeena G.A.A. never wavered and his pride was very apparent as his nephew, Kilmeena Junior team goalie, Danny Fadian, displays a similar talent with enormous, accurate skill and a solid pair of hands.
Despite his retirement Tony continued to retain his affiliation with Kilmeena G.A.A. throughout the years and in his discreet, unassuming manner he was also a consistent sponsor.
Kilmeena G.A.A. Club extend sincere sympathy to Tony’s daughter, Claire, his sons, Tony Jr. and David, his brother, Tommy, his sisters Celia, Noreen and Ann and Mary and to the family of his deceased wife, Maura, the Corcorans, originally, Mill St. , Westport.
The familiar pattern of life with Tony has been extinguished for all of you. He has departed with the stamp of honour and pride. May his cherished memory bring you consolation and may his love of life gleam through your dark days and help to heal your heartbreak.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Tony captained the Kilmeena team that toured the USA in 1970.
Mayor of Chicago, Richard J. Daley, presenting Team Captain, Tony Scott, with a specially commissioned Football, to mark the occasion of the visit to the City in June 1970. Also included in the photo on the left is John Gerard Moran. Directly behind Mayor Daley is Vincent O'Malley (RIP - Chicago) brother of Joey O'Malley and John O'Malley (both now deceased) and brother of Eamonn O'Malley (Dublin) and Agnes Cox, Mayour, all formerly of Claggan Kilmeena. Next to Tony is Vincent Reilly. Directly behind Tony, partially hidden, is Nicholas Feehan and ?????. On the right of picture is Willie Quinn, directly behind Willie, partially hidden, is the late Billy Fahy.
Tony, welcomed to Chicago by Chief Fire Officer, Robert J Quinn.
Tony, with Team Manager, Paddy Keane and Roscahill native, Tony McGill (RIP), Fire Officer with the Chicago Fire Department.
Tony, in the company of club members Michael Moran (now residing in Clonmel) and Michael Feehan, London, enjoying a boat trip on Lake Michigan, courtesy of the Chicago Fire Department, one of the many highlights enjoyed on that historic tour.
OH WHAT A NIGHT!
THE Club held its ANNUAL AWARDS’ FUNCTION on the 21st of February in the Castlecourt Hotel. The presentation of various awards for excellence achieved during the past year is the highlight of the Club’s Calendar.
As this function also brought the 125th Anniversary of the Club to a conclusion it was befitting that a presentation to the County Champions 1986, 1993 and the Connacht Champions in 2002 was incorporated into the night.
Kilmeena GAA were honoured to have the company of Mr Mike Connelly, Chairman of Mayo County Board and Mr. Pat Holmes, Mayo Senior Joint Team Manager to enhance the occasion.
A packed Dome Suite was indicative of the anticipation which this social occasion had engendered and the large attendance, where young and old mingled, were not disappointed. The presence of our senior supporters, among them some octogenarians, added a connection from the past and made it all the more special. The Function Room was bedecked in Black and White, festooned with bunting, balloons and Club flag. The Kilmeena GAA Club were delighted to display the 125th Anniversary Logo Banner which was created by 6th class pupil Jaimee Geraghty who attended St Brendan’s NS Myna. The Underage Trophies were displayed with great pride alongside the “Mayo Club Sports Grounds” of the Year Award.
The Chairman, Mr. Willie Keaveney, extended a warm welcome to all in attendance. He did not omit the Kilmeena Diaspora in other countries and acknowledged their contribution to the Club throughout their years.
The first order of business was the presentation of specially commissioned Mayo Crystal Trophies to the County Junior Champions of 1986 and 1993, and the Connaught Champions and All-Ireland Runners-Up from 2002 by Pat Holmes. Pat, in his address, outlined the high standards, involving levels of preparation previously engaged in by county teams, that is now required by club teams in order to achieve success. This humble former Moygownagh Club and Mayo Senior footballer outlined his aspirations for the County Team and included the realism of the “variables” that can determine the outcome of a championship match. Here’s hoping Pat, that you will be the manager to be hailed in Red and Green Glory on that third Sunday in September this year.
The inimitable Mr. Tom Ryan was charged with the task of introducing each player and the respective Team Managers and Selectors. While Tom kept proceedings moving smoothly, he also regaled humorous incidents with various players and his light hearted spontaneity with commentary ensured that boredom was not an issue. It was also a night of nostalgia for Tom, because he had played football with some of the “Lads” and along with Mr Willie Kelly had coached at U14 winning two County Titles in 1993 and 2004. So, some of the now “Mature” 1993 team became the Connacht Junior Champions in 2002.
Martin McIntyre’s empathy with the Club and Community was transmitted through his screening of old video footage evoking numerous memories. His determination to create an ambience of warmth was evident in his collection of “Welcome” photographs to the stalwarts of the 1940’s, 1950’s, 1960’s and his photographic profile of each player, selector and manager for presentation.
The highlight of the presentation was undoubtably the presence of Mr Michael Kirk, joint manager with George Golden in 1993. Michael traveled from Cork and the extended applause and cheers which greeted him endorsed the Club’s gratitude to him for his work with the 1993 team some twenty two years ago. Appreciation also to former club stalwart Joe Duffy, for making the long journey from County Clare, where he now resides, to be with us on the night.
Next up was the presentation of the Club Awards, presented by Mike Connelly. Mike praised the Club for all they have achieved in the past year, highlighting the Underage success, the winning of the Club Grounds of the Year Award, and the publication of the Club Five Year Plan. He thanked the Club for its support of the County Board. He thanked Kevin Barrett, County Board Rep and incoming West board Chairperson, Willie Kelly, Development Officer, Michael Gavin and Padraig Walsh for their work with County Development Panels. He wished the Junior Team and the new Management Team the best of luck.
The following Club Members received awards:
Community Award: Kilmeena and Fahy Foroige Clubs. Majella McGonagle ,a club leader, accepted this award.
Most improved Player: Stephen Staunton.
Young Player of the year: Niall Feehan.
Senior Player of the Year: David Stenson.
Club Man of the Year: This well-deserved accolade went to Neil O’Donnell. Rory Smythe (Mid West Furniture Sponsors) was on hand to make the presentation. Thank you to the Smythe Family for your generous sponsorship.
A presentation was made to the Members of the 125 Committee – Pauline Goggins, Anne Moore, Claire Ryan, Martin McIntyre, Colm Barrett, Ollie Mulchrone, Mike Slattery, Par Carney, Willie Keaveney and Committee Chairman Walter Cox, - in recognition of their sterling work in ensuring that the 125th Anniversary was celebrated in an appropriate manner. Full credit must be attributed to Mr Ollie Mulchrone who recognised the significance of 2014 in the history of Kilmeena GAA and initiated the idea of commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Club.
The Club wishes to thank those who sponsored our Raffle and Spot Prizes:
Clew Bay Hotel, Leisure Park Westport, Castlecourt Hotel, Aurivo, Corrib Oil, Johnny Moran’s Bar Bridge street, Toby’s Bar. Your contributions are very much appreciated.
Our sincere gratitude to Joe and Ann Corcoran, to Mr Vinny Nugget and all the staff at the Castlecourt Hotel for your professionalism and co-operation with the preparations for our big event. No need for the Brennan Brothers or Nevin Maguire in your Hotel!
Thanks to DJ Henry McGlade who provided appropriate music and encouraged those lithe of limb and young at heart to dance ‘til early!
Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to ensure the success of this event.
This brings the curtain down on our 125 celebrations, in a year that has been memorable by any standards and exceeded our expectations. It is fitting that this last event got such a huge response. The Club is hugely indebted to the whole community for your continued support. We look forward to the next 25 years, secure in the knowledge that the Club is on solid footing.
Walter Cox Chairman of the 125th Anniversary Committee.
A section of the large attendance at the function
1986 County Junior Champions and their representatives
Also included is 1986 Club Chairman Walter Cox, Team manager Mick Burke and Team Captain Phelim McManamon
1993 County Junior Champions and their representatives
Also included is 1993 Club Chairman Austin Gibbons, Team managers Michael Kirk and George Golden with Team Captain Michael Regan
2002 County and Connacht Junior Champions and their representatives
Also included is 2002 Club Chairman Tom Ryan, Team managers Michael Moore and Phelim McManamon, Selectors Vincent Reilly and Ollie Mulchrone with Team Captain John Ryan
Neil O'Donnell, receives his "CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR" Trophy from Rory Smyth - Mid West Furniture, sponsors of the Award.
Congratulation Neil – well deserved
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Still more!!!! courtesy of Kevin Barrett...
LINE UP: County Champions – 1986, 1993 & Connacht Champions 2002
We’re nearly there !! It’s Saturday night in the Castlecourt Hotel at 7.30 p.m. Only the Hollywood Oscars can compare to the Kilmeena G.A.A. Role of Honour for the County Champions 1986, 1993 and the Connacht Champions of 2002. Delighted to inform you that Mr. Michael Kirk, Joint Manager with George Golden in 1993 will travel from Cork for the occasion. A moment of pride for our “Kilmeena lads” who have emigrated because your parents and siblings will be there to accept your presentation from Joint Mayo Manager, Mr. Pat Holmes. Mayo County Board Chairman, Mike Connelly, will present the Club's Annual Awards to the various recipients on the night.
There has also been a huge response from the community and it will be an event for reminiscence and for a reunion with teammates and friends. Just to refresh your memory a special selection of video clips have been compiled from 1990’s to include underage and senior football matches and will be projected throughout the proceedings. The show will also feature, local Xmas concerts, community events and other moments of interest from the past. Our very own “ Reeling in the Years “ will prompt many memories and certainly provide a lot of humorous teasing!! Kilmeena G.A.A. Club have worked relentlessly throughout the last two months to ensure that the night will be enjoyable for all of you.
Tickets are still available from Paul Ryan ( Secretary ) 0872809524, Padraig Moore ( Treasurer ) 0872861190, Ollie Mulchrone 08728883710, Colm Barrett, 0860289777.
There will be no necessity for a gym session after D.J. Henry McGlade has completed his music session. Have also been informed that Mr. Joe Ryan of “Strictly Come Dancing” fame will commence the dancing for us on the night. So advise the babysitters that they are on overtime as this entertainment is expected to continue long into the night!!
The Mayo Crystal Trophy has been specifically designed to remind the Champions, their Managers and Selectors, that your golden era will never be forgotten by Kilmeena G.A.A. The 125th Anniversary of the club is an extremely significant year for you to receive it.
"A symbol of appreciation"
This is what Declan Ryan and his cohort will receive in honour of their achievements on the playing field
A large crowd turned out for the final night of a three stage Club registration program held over the past number of weeks. Registration is essential for all members - male and female - prior to participation in any of the Club's calendar sporting events. Members also had the option of enrolling for the Club's Lotto weekly draw, plus, the Mayo GAA County Board Monthly Draw. There is still time for members to renew their Club membership by handing their completed membership forms to any Committee member.
Committee members at the coalface...
Bord na nÓg Chairman, John McDonald, keeping tabs...
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https://picasaweb.google.com/116414218992329230135/ClubRegistrationNight#6113895203204260370
Kilmeena Junior team recently travelled to Bekan, Claremorris , to undertake the strength and conditioning assessment. This is a programme that is operated by the Connacht Council and is supervised by conditioning coach, Cathal Cregg. The objective is to facilitate increased participation in sport and to maximise fitness levels. The team’s progress will be monitored for 12 weeks and all players will then be reviewed by the conditioning coach.
more...
https://picasaweb.google.com/116414218992329230135/BekanPreSeasonTests#6113893746786101298