50 years of Fr Fitzgerald Cup

Post date: Mar 21, 2016 10:59:36 PM

The Fr Fitzgerald Cup is definitely one of those you had to be there events.

A special surprise for all was the appearance Maura Hernon, who was the first winning Fr Fitzgerald Manager and is seen in this photo reliving the tale of the story regarding the pitch beside Tullykyne School (known as "the plan") much to the delight of the young players and parents who listened attentively to her story.

Maura was a teacher in the school and as well as being an avid camogie player herself, she promoted the game of hurling within the school. Not only was Maura Hernon able to attend but like any good manager she had the support of her old players behind her The captain of that first ever winning team was, club stalwarth, Tim Bohan who was a student in Scoil Naomh Bhride, Tullykyne National School.

And; as these things often happen this year's winning captain, Paul Kearns, was also a student in Tullykyne NS.

Photo of 50th Anniversary winning Captain Paul Kearns with fellow team players & also students of Scoil Naomh Bride, Tullykyne School Mark Kearns & Cian Diviney. Also in photo (L to R) Norman Fitzgerald (nephew of Fr Fitzgerald) with 1966 Winning captain Tim Bohan & school mate Patsy Caulfield & 1966 Winning Manager/Teacher in Tullykyne School Ms Maura Hernon

The club would like to express their appreciation to past players, parents, grandparents & all who attended the 50th anniversary of the Fr Fitzgerald Cup. We would also like to thank Norman (nephew of Fr Fitzgerald) who presented the cup to winning captain.

Another nice touch on the day was that each of the captains in the Senior Fr Fitzgerald Competition was selected from each of the four National Schools in Moycullen parish , in recognition of the origins of the competition. The captains duly presented in the colours of their respective schools as pictured on the left.

Once again, the pitch was busy with young enthusiastic hurlers from 2nd-6th class and onlooking spectators were entertained with some fantastic displays of skill, agility & sheer determination

The future looks bright for Moycullen Hurling Club! Well done boys & girls & keep hurling.

As well as the overall organisation of the event, with eight teams competing across the morning, it takes a management team not just a manager to keep each team organised and in place for their games. There were eight games to be refereed and where would we be after all that without the cup of tea and the biscuit in the hand. And sure you have no idea of the paperwork!!!

Thanks to all who helped out with registration, tea & coffee, refereeing, managing, photographing and supporting the children on yet another successful Fr Fitzgerald cup day

We should also thank GalwayGAA website who were kind enough to publish our article marking the 50 year history of the competition.

We know one parent was happy through Facebook:

"Thanks to all the organisers, Colm GAvin & Dave O'Reilly etc at the pitch yesterday for the Fr Fitzgersld cup matches for the U10's. I know my boy Joseph throughly enjoyed it & delighted to win 2 out of 3 of his matches! And really proud to march with his younger brother Luke in the Moycullen parade representing their club. Well done Moycullen Hurling club!☘"

Here are those younger competitors: