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Aug 31 2010

SIMPLY THE BEST?

Raymond | Category: Local News Sport | 0 Comments

In 1982 Kerry defeated Offaly in the final in Croke Park to win their fourth-in-a-row series of All Ireland football titles. We watched the game on terrestial television in a local tavern here in town and afterwards we talked about whether Mick O’Dwyer was the greatest GAA trainer on the planet.
The general consensus seemed to be that Micko was indeed the greatest. By the end of his career he would have coached Kerry to 8 All Irelands, 11 Munster titles and 3 league titles. He would go on to win further provincial titles with Kildare and Laois. This is a record that may never be surpassed
However, it was also pointed out that Micko had a powerful squad of players to pick from in Kerry. The likes of Jack O’Shea, The Bomber Liston, Pat Spillane, Mikey Sheehy, John Egan, etc were all household names and would walk onto any team. Micko was spoiled for choice and his biggest problem was not who to select, but who to leave out.
While the discussion was going on, the little man from Grogeen was sitting in his usual seat over by the bay window and sipping his customary glass of stout. When a break came in the conversation, he leaned forward and delivered his withering verdict.
“Bring the bollix to Limerick and we’ll see how good he really is!”
At that time, Grogeen wasn’t exactly known as being a stronghold of GAA activity, and so we ignored the interruption. And anyway, it was unknown back then for a high profile manager to offer his services to a rival county for fear of banishment to Van Demon’s Land (or even to Lyracrompane)
Well, 28 years later and the Limerick football famine continues. We have improved, firstly under Liam Kearns and later with Micky Ned O’Sullivan. We have contested four provincial finals in the last 10 years and went close in all of them. We beat Kerry in a competitive match for the first time in donkeys years. We have chalked up 5 McGrath Cup wins since 1985. (Kerry have won it twice) And we won a national league title in Croke Park this year.
However, we have failed to make the big break-through and win that illusive Munster title. The little man from Grogeen has gone to his eternal reward still complaining, no doubt, about the poor state of Limerick football and indeed about the poor state of the country as a whole.
Meanwhile, Mick O’Dwyer continues to coach, and his name is now being linked with the vacant Mayo position.
With the departure of Micky Ned, Limerick football also has coaching vacancy. Would it be beyond the realms of possibility that, even at this late stage, Micko might be tempted to cross the river Feale and pitch his tent by Shannonside?
The words of the little man from Grogeen can be heard re-echoing across the years
“Bring the bollix to Limerick and we’ll see how good he really is!”
History beckons. Will Micko answer the call? Probably not. But, then again – he might! (Hold all bets and watch this space)
* Pat Spillane recounts an amusing incident that occurred on the eve of that 1982 final against Offaly.
The Kerry team went out to see a film and returned to the hotel for an early night. However, Paudie O’Shea decided that he could not sleep without his customary couple of pints.
The nearest places open at that time of the night were the discos and strip clubs in Leeson Street. Paudie found a suitable tavern and went in and had his few quiet drinks in the midst of the flashing lights, the deafening music, the dolly birds, and the dancers throwing all kinds of shapes out on the dance floor.
The squad were due to attend early Mass the following morning. Paudie slept it out and arrived late at the church. Mass had already started and he tiptoed somewhat sheepishly up the centre aisle.
O’Dwyer had already heard of Paudie’s escapade the night before. He turned around and, in a loud voice, said;
“Look up the floor – John Travolta!”
The matter was not mentioned again. Kerry won the match and Paudie played a blinder.
Mick O’Dwyer knew how to manage his men.

DEATHS
The death occurred last week of renowned blacksmith, Tom Begley from the Killarney Road. Tom was one of the many colourful characters that seemed to populate Abbeyfeale in years past. His smithy’s forge was a calling place for all of those coming in or going out of town. Tom was always in a good mood and his witty and insightful remarks on the local news and happenings of the day were legendary and were repeated at many a fireside later that evening. We extend our sympathy to his family and friends. He will be sadly missed.
Sympathy is also extended to the family and friends of Katty McEnery, Bridge Street and Sr. Evangelist Cantillion, Mountmahon and formerly of the Convent of Mercy in Abbeyfeale. May they all Rest In Peace.
GET WELL WISHES
Marion Harnett sends us the following; “Peg Murphy Mountmahon is after undergoing surgery and I have been asked by loads of people to wish her a speedy recovery. So best wishes Peg and sit back when you get home and let Tony and Din Joe wait on you hand and foot – you’ve been doing it for them long enough!”
ABBEYFEALE FOR AFRICA
The annual 6km walk in aid of the work of Fr. Tim Galvin’s Mission in Sudan will take place on Sunday, September 12 and finish with a get together at St. Ita’s Hall. Fr. Tim is at home on leave and he will join us on the day. Sponsorship cards are available from Triona Tobin, Mairead Daly, Carina Prendeville and the Credit Union. If you would like to donate and want to go to the Listowel Races instead of on a walk then there is an account at the Credit Union in the name of Abbeyfeale for Africa and we would be delighted to accept any donations.
CAR BOOT SALE AND INDOOR MARKET
The monthly car boot sale and indoor market in aid of WL102fm takes place on Sunday, September 5 from 9-2pm at the Community Centre, NCW. Gates open at 7.30 for traders. Further information from 087 6866450.
GUITAR LESSONS
Lessons in playing the guitar commence on Monday, September 13 from 7-8pm in the Community Centre, Abbeyfeale.
GAA;
Kilkenny meet Tipperary in the All Ireland hurling final in Croke Park on Sunday. The Cats are going for an unprecedented 5-in-a-row, and Tipp will he hell-bent on stopping them. Tipperary went close last year and we give them a hesitant vote.
The betting is 2/5 Kilkenny and 9/4 Tipp.
Kilkenny play Clare in the minor final.
Senior County Championship; Fr. Casey’s 0-09. Newcastle West 1-10.
Minor County Championship; Fr. Casey’s V Newcastle West – Friday 3rd September, 7.00pm in Abbeyfeale
Junior A West Championship Semi Final; Fr. Casey’s V Glin – Sunday 5th September, time and venue to be announced
Under 21 County Championship; Fr. Casey’s V Sean Finns – Tuesday 7th September, 7.00pm in Abbeyfeale
Drom/Broadford are 8/11 to win the county title with Abbeyfeale at 2/1.

Aug 25 2010

REDS ON THE RAMPAGE!

Raymond | Category: Local News Sport | 0 Comments

It is that time of year again when we usually get the Sunday night invasion of green and gold-clad Kerry supporters strutting their stuff along Main Street and loudly celebrating their team’s advance to yet another All Ireland final. They have remained mercifully silent this year (Thank you, Down) However, they have now been replaced [...]

Aug 16 2010

AND THE BAND PLAYED ON!

Raymond | Category: History, Local News Sport, People | 0 Comments

In 1962, at the height of the showband era, a group of intrepid musicians from Abbeyfeale and surrounding parishes came together and decided to form a band. They called their new band “The Western Star” and among the founder members were Patie Enright, Timmy O’Keeffe, Mick Barrett, Moss Harnett, Moss O’Connor, Eddie O’Connor and Dick [...]

Aug 11 2010

FOOTBALL AT THE AVIVA!

Raymond | Category: Local News Sport | 0 Comments

The Aviva Stadium hosts its first international soccer game tonight when Ireland play Argentina in a friendly. Kick-off 7.45pm. Ireland manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, has named a strong squad for this glamour tie, and he will need it against a team that can boast such gifted players as Messi, Higuain, Aguero, Tevez, Milito, andMascherano. The Irish [...]

Aug 04 2010

BUSY BANK HOLIDAY!

Raymond | Category: Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Abbeyfeale was busy over the August Bank Holiday weekend with heavy traffic passing through on its way to Killarney, Dingle, the Ring of Kerry and all points south. We are now in the height of the busy tourist season and visitors seem to have increased slightly from last year, with a fair sprinkling of foreign-registered [...]

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