Multyfarnham GAA honour the late Mary Ward
Image 1 of 8
David Wallace, Henry Reilly, David Nolan, James Greene, Ciaran McCabe and Leeroy Casserly at the Multyfarnham GAA fundraiser on St Stephen’s Day.Image 2 of 8
CJ Tighe and Matthew Thornton.Image 3 of 8
Ger Feerick pictured at the Multyfarnham GAA fundraising event.Image 4 of 8
Gareth Mullaniff, Adam Meehan and Ronan Greene.Image 5 of 8
The two teams who played in the Multyfarnham GAA fundraising match. The event also honoured the late Mary Ward.Image 6 of 8
David Kelly, Jimmy Ward and Paddy Wallace, Westmeath GAA chairman.Image 7 of 8
David Kelly, Debbie Marshall, Jimmy, Lee, Siobhan, Tadhg and Jack Ward, with Paddy Wallace, newly elected Westmeath GAA chairman.Image 8 of 8
Brid Mulvaney, Zoe Leavy, Orlaith Mulvaney, Aoife Leavy, Aoibhinn Lynch, Hannagh Nolan and Sadhbh Greene.St Stephen’s Day in Multyfarnham, and the new scoreboard had a workout, nearly running out of space for all the scoring and not close attempts at scores on goal.
Before a ball was even kicked, you knew exactly what kind of occasion it was. The smell of Deep Heat was hanging heavier in the air than a fog over the pitch, as the older lads loosened out with stretches that owed more to experience than flexibility. There were calves being rubbed, hamstrings being negotiated with, and the odd wince that told you this warm-up was a championship in its own right.
From behind jackets and kitbags emerged the real winter fuel. Hip flasks and home made brews made quiet appearances. Containing whiskeys and God knows what other restorative concoctions, they were handed around with the secrecy of a short Kick-out. “Medical purposes,” of course.
By the time the ball was thrown in, the legends were warmed inside and out, and ready, at least in theory. Once the game got going, it was pure GAA theatre.
The current players covered ground like they’d a GPS strapped on, while the legends conserved energy like men who knew there was a long second half and a longer evening ahead. There were solos taken at walking pace, passes weighted with the confidence of fellas who’ve seen more winters than training sessions, and one outrageous two-pointer kick from Mick McDonnell, outside-of-the-boot score that was celebrated like a last-gasp winner in Croke Park.
Defending was optional, tracking back was “under review”, and the referee (Henry Reilly) wisely kept the whistle in his pocket, adopting a strict “sure we’re all friends here” policy.
The umpire’s white flags were getting more exercise than some of the full-forwards, and nobody, least of all the scoreboard, was overly concerned with accuracy.
When the final whistle eventually sounded on time, and without any injury-time drama, the real cool-down began, and the home brews made a second appearance - for recovery purposes!
The Multy Memorial Cup was presented to Jimmy Ward, whose late wife Mary did Trojan work for the club, by club president Ann Newman, to great applause.
The total raised on the gate was €835.60 and it will be donated to Asiam.ie Ireland’s Autism Charity, who do great work for children with Autism.
The club are grateful to everyone who supported the event, and to Kath O'Grady Reilly and John McCauley for taking photos.
Multyfarnham GAA once again proved that when it comes to St Stephen’s Day football, they know how to strike the perfect balance between serious skill and serious craic. A win for the parish and community - sure isn’t that the only result that ever really matters.