Kerry supporters were around the town in great numbers again last Sunday night, celebrating their team’s umpteenth Munster football title success. They were letting on that it didn’t really matter – a thing of nothing – but, deep down, you could tell that it did.

Most of them congregated in Jack O’Rourke’s bar where DJ Martin Murphy played music appropriate to the occasion, with The Green Hills Of Kerry, Brosna Town and Ballybunion By The Sea all invoking a positive response, while a lively Sliabh Luachra slide had them banging sparks off the stone floor with their hob-nailed boots.

Meanwhile, the Cork contingent were in sombre mood as they gathered further up the town in Thomas Mann’s bar (Browne’s, as was) Bill Blair was on the decks here, and his more thoughtful selection of music perfectly reflected the melancholy nature of the evening from a rebel viewpoint. And when Cher’s, If I Could Turn Back Time, hit the speakers, you could see them mentally replaying Derek Kavanagh’s last minute goal attempt and thinking; “If only ……”

Imagine, if that ball had found the back of the net, we could have had two totally different discos last Sunday night!

“If only …..”

Meanwhile, back in the real world, Limerick play Waterford in the Munster hurling final in Thurles on Sunday.

Hard to believe that it is now thirty four years since Limerick last won a senior All Ireland title. And for that 1973 Munster final against Tipperary in Thurles, a bus was organized by the staff and customers of Dore’s bar, next door to Paddy Power’s betting office and now home of Feale I.T. My companion on that day was John Joe Moriarty, whose son, Colm, would later go on to all Ireland U/21 success with Limerick. The bus was piloted with unerring accuracy by Jim Connell and our first port of call was the little town of Emly just inside the Tipp border where we quickly located a suitable watering hole.

The pub was called The Thatch and it sported a large bar and also a decent sized dance floor. A function was already in progress in honour of some American visitors to the area, and the Abbeyfeale lads and lassies were not slow in joining in the festivities. Soon a full scale polka-set had broken out, with the green and white of Limerick mingling freely with the blue and gold of Tipperary in a colourful array of twirling bodies and stomping feet. And this before even the first ball had been pucked out in anger!

It could only happen in Ireland – and only in the GAA. We are blessedly unique in many respects.

Few who were there will ever forget the emotion that day as Richie Bennis stood over that final seventy from which he had to score direct to win the game. And the euphoria as the ball sailed inside the right hand upright – and all heaven breaking lose as fans invaded the pitch from all sides to shoulder their heroes triumphantly off the park. All Irelands come and go – but memories endure.

We made a detour to Dromcolliher on the way back. By that time we had picked up local poet, Sean O’hAirtneide, who would afterwards compose a memorable poem about the whole occasion. There was a carnival on in Dromcolliher, and we knew we would get ‘after hours’. We watched a replay of the match in a small black and white television over the counter in a packed bar. And when Richie Bennis once more lined up that final free, some lads blessed themselves, while others turned their backs to the television unable to watch for fear he would miss it!

Riche Bennis again leads Limerick to Thurles next Sunday afternoon. Let us hope that he can repeat the dose. It will determine whether we go to Martin’s or Bill’s disco on Sunday night!

Limerick footballers are also in action this weekend. They play Louth in a qualifier in the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday evening.

After some spirited performances in the league, Limerick failed to produce when it was most needed, against Cork. Louth would appear to be in some disarray at the moment and Limerick are capable of beating them. Who knows – with a handy draw, they may even get a bit of an extended run in the All Ireland series.

So go along to the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday evening and support Padraig Brown, Thomas Cahill, etc. Lets make it a Limerick double this weekend!

RACES

There was a big attendance at the annual Abbeyfeale Horse & Pony Race Meeting which went ahead in Relihan’s Inch on Sunday. The crowd was treated to some great racing and some very close and exciting finishes.

SCHOOLS;

Pupils from the primary and post primary schools of the parish are now enjoying their much needed summer holidays.

COLLECTION;

The Sisters of the Little Company of Mary together with Milford Hospice Friends Association wish to thank everyone who contributed to their recent National Sunflower Day. The amount collected came to €1,717.28.

ICA;

Abbeyfeale I.C.A. members and friends enjoyed a visit to the Irish National Stud at Tully, Co. Kildare recently.

COACH;

A coach will travel from Abbeyfeale to Thurles for the Munster hurling final between Limerick and Waterford next Sunday. Further details from Peg Murphy at 068-31232.

WALK;

The annual Abbeyfeale For Africa fundraising walk will take place on Sunday 22^nd July. It will be led by Fr Tim Galvin. Sponsorship cards are available from the local Credit Union, the Farmers Market or any committee member.

GAA:

Fr Casey’s were narrowly defeated 1-7 to 1-6 by Mountcollins in the West Limerick Junior A league final. Premier MFC; Fr Casey’s 1-12, Newcastlewest 1-8.

GOLF:

The Captain’s Prize (Jim O’Donoghue) at Abbeyfeale Golf Club was won by Eugene Dwyer with a nett score of 58. Mike Brosnahan was second with nett 62.