Paddy McCormack RIP

A dark cloud of sadness enveloped Bunbrosna on Thursday evening last as news began to filter through of the passing of Paddy Mc Cormack to his eternal reward. Paddy was a lifelong club stalwart, who was known and respected not only in our club but throughout the county and indeed all over the country. Paddy was always on hand to help out when needed, to advise when sound advice was called for and to encourage and motivate when encouragement and motivation were what was required.

To say Paddy was a hugely influential figure in our club would be an understatement. Not only was he involved with underage teams down through the years, he was also a selector on the victorious Intermediate winning team of 2010. Paddy gave a lifetime of service to Bun GAA.

Aidan  Finnan  speaking on behalf of all our players past and present who were lucky enough to have had the opportunity  of having Paddy as mentor and advocate, had this to say. “Paddy has been a hugely positive influence on those who have worn the blue and white. From his famous commentary in the 1995 U12 Final to the quiet and personal words of encouragement and touch of humour in good times and bad, Paddy always wanted the best for each player, always encouraging the young and upcoming players to enjoy the game. He worked as selector for a number of managers and was part of the 2010 championship winning set-up, his honest feedback always taken on board! Aidan concluded by reflecting that “It’s strange to think that Paddy will no longer be down to watch training week in week out, he will be sorely missed”.

Paddy was also a hugely respected figure within Westmeath Underage Football where again he was part of successful teams. He was a selector under Luke Dempsey with the All Ireland Minor Winning Team in 1995 and again with the U21 All Ireland Winning team in 1999. Luke recalled to me earlier that he had first met Paddy at the beginning of the 1995 season and that he quickly realised how talented a mentor he was. Luke described Paddy as an absolute gentleman steeped in the Gaelic tradition, his passion for Westmeath GAA only surpassed by his devotion to his club Bunbrosna. His witty sharp sense of humour made him an ideal selector who Luke always found to be fair and unbiased in his opinion. Luke recalled that he and Paddy had a great friendship which reached long beyond football and concluded that he was deeply saddened when he heard of Paddy’s passing.

Speaking of Paddy’s influence in the club Eddie Newman recalled how Paddy began his involvement with UnderAge and progressed seamlessly to the Adult club where he enjoyed respect and admiration from everybody involved whether player, coach or club official. Eddie recalled how it was Paddy who first encouraged him to become involved in club administration and how supportive he had always been of all club initiatives.

In later years, Paddy was actively involved in the development work carried out at the club. He also took it on himself to keep the grounds in great order and no job was too big or small for Paddy to take on. Peter Maguire, our Club Chairman, remembers Paddy always being ready to oblige and help out at the shortest of notice when something had to be done. His abiding memory will be of the nights of the Lotto draw when Paddy, Anthony and Jimmy would sit down together and discuss matters of importance as they checked through the Lotto tickets, always hoping that someone would be lucky enough to have all four numbers. Peter in conclusion said that Paddy will be sorely missed around Bunbrosna.

We will all miss Paddy in Bunbrosna, his cheery ways and ready smile but our loss pales into insignificance when compared to that of Phil, Cormac, Conor, Colm and their extended families. We offer them our deepest sympathy and hoped that shared happy memories of Paddy and his days in the club that he loved so much will console and sustain them in the difficult days ahead. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Ní bheidh a leithéad ann arís.

Junior Championship Round 3

We travelled to Ballynacaragy on Saturday evening last to take on Kilbeggan in the third round of the Championship. The torrential rain reflected the mood of the area on the week that saw the sad passing of two all round GAA greats in Tony Maher and Paddy McCormack. Despite the horrendous rain that fell both teams are to be commended for serving up a high quality encounter with plenty of quality scores from both sides! Both Tony and Paddy would have enjoyed the intensity of this one from above the clouds!!

Kilbeggan were first off the mark with a point from play before Fintan Finnan and Aidan Finnan kicked two quick fire points from play in response for Bun. Darragh Lyons then slotted a goal after an interception from Mark Donnelly in the Kilbeggan defence. Donnelly added a third point soon after a fine pass from Noel Yourell.

Fintan Finnan and Barry O Mara both kicked points from play before Kilbeggan replied with two of their own, the first been from a free. Finnan added a third before Kilbeggan got a fortuitous goal after their free hit the post and the resultant shot looping into the net. Barry O Mara responded quickly with a mark to leave it 1:07 to 1:05 at half time.

As the rain continued unabated in the second half the Championship intensity ramped up with both teams making crucial turnovers. Kilbeggan got the first score of half before Finnan got his fourth from play. Barry O Mara kicked a free after been fouled close to goals. 

Kilbeggan responded with a point of their own before O Mara and Finnan again added two more to leave three between the sides with fifteen minutes left. Kilbeggan then got their second goal to tie up the game before they kicked the lead score soon after. They added a further point to take control of the game but Bun battled back. Aidan and Fintan Finnan kicked two fine scores from play to level the tie up. It looked like a draw was the likely result but Kilbeggan won a free deep into injury time which they duly scored.

This was a difficult defeat for Bun who poured so much into the game. They can be proud of their efforts in difficult circumstances but will reflect back on a fine team performance that will yield positive results if it’s replicated in their final two group games.

Team: Liam Mitchell, Luke Kiernan, Joe Tormey, Gavin Lyons, Matthew Hope, Simon Moorehead, Andy Whitney, Conor Lyons, Garvan Dolan, Mark Donnelly, Aidan Finnan, Noel Yourell, Darragh Lyons, Fintan Finnan & Barry O Mara. Subs: Dave Newman for Noel Yourell, Conor Newman for Mark Donnelly, Brian Maguire for Matthew Hope, Alan Maguire, Ken Conroy, Tommy Murphy, Cian Tighe, Enda Newman, Eoin McGowan, Ger Brennan, Kevin Mitchell & Brian O Hara

Footnote: We extend our sincere thanks to Ballynacaragy GAA for hosting us on Saturday evening. Despite the torrential rain they made sure everything ran smoothly for the double header. This is all to their credit in what was a very difficult week for them also given the sad passing of Club stalwart, Tony Maher. 

Junior ‘B’ Championship 

We hosted St. Joseph’s in Round 2 of the Junior ‘B’ Championship on Tuesday night. Played in ideal conditions, Bun made a great start and deservedly ran out winners on a 2:16 to 1:08 score line.

Four points from Darragh Lyons, three for Garvan Dolan and one each from Ken Conroy and Simon Moorehead saw Bun take a sleandour 0:09 to 1:05 lead at the short whistle.

The second half saw Bun take complete control of the game with two goals from Darragh Lyons in quick succession. Points from Moorehead, Cian Tighe, Darragh Lyons, Garvan Dolan and three from Fintan Finnan sealed a fine win for Bun and leaves them top of the group after two games played.

Team: Liam Mitchell, Conor Newman, Dave Newman, Eoin McGowan, Luke Kiernan, Gavin Lyons, Matthew Hope, Simon Moorehead, Brian Maguire, Enda Newman, Garvan Dolan, Fintan Finnan, Ken Conroy, Darragh Lyons & Cian Tighe. Subs: Ger Brennan for Dave Newman, Brian O Hara for Garvan Dolan.

Club Lotto

Club Lotto will take place next Sunday at 12:00pm in the Old Dressing Rooms for anyone that would like to attend. Our Lotto Jackpot is now at a record €13,200. It continues to be our primary source of revenue to fund the day to day running of the club.

In addition, Lotto revenue is funding the continued development at the pitch which will benefit all in our community not just our players. Over the next number of months, our walking track will be near completion and work on the Ball-Wall and All-Weather playing area has been completed. 

Our Lotto can be done online by clicking on https://bunbrosnagaa.clubifyapp.com/products. Online entries must be in by 10:00am. Thank you to all who support our club lotto.

Inny Shamrocks U15s

Well done to our Inny Shamrocks U15s who continued their strong start in Division 2 Championship with a fine win over Athlone at Pairc Chiaran last Wednesday night. Well done all.

Inny Shamrocks U13s

Despite a dark cloud hanging over Bunbrosna GAA and Ballinacargy GAA clubs on Friday evening, the Inny Shamrock U13s bravely took to the field in Milltownpass. A minutes silence was impeccably observed by the entire panel in our dressing room before the match in honour of the late Paddy McCormack and Tony Maher. On a night when matters on the field took a back seat, we commend the lads for their brave efforts at this difficult time.

Gaelic for Mothers & Others

Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others is back on Monday 24th of July at 8:00pm in Bun.New faces always welcome.

All Ireland Hurling Final Tickets

Well done to Mary Finnan who was the winner of our Members Draw for All Ireland Hurling Final tickets. We hope you enjoyed the game Mary.

The All Ireland Football Final tickets will be raffled on Thursday night. Again this will be confined to Members only.

Condolences

All at Bunbrosna GAA wish to offer our sincere condolences to the Maher family, Ballynacaragy, on the sad passing of Tony. 

Tony was a tremendous Gael and he and his family are synonymous with Ballynacargy Gaa. He was a very dedicated clubman who was a keen promoter of underage structures, developing players and he had an especially sharp eye for emerging talent. He gave a lifetime of service to his club and was very well known and liked throughout the county and beyond.

To his wife Mary, sons Anthony, Shane and Ivan, his daughters Lynn and Amanda, his sister Annie, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbours and a large circle of friends, we offer our deepest sympathies to you all at this sad time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.