KILTEELY DROMKEEN GAA CLUB NOTES
Fr Willie Hennessy PP, RIP
It is with deep regret that the Club has learnt of the passing of Fr, Willie Hennessy PP of Knocklong parish. Fr, Willie was a native of Kilteely and has always been held in very high regard in the parish and beyond. Fr. Willie has many friends and family in the parish and to those we pass on our deepest sympathies.
Fr. Willie was awarded an Old Times Gael award by the East Board last December which he was very honoured to receive. In the lovely booklet on the night Fr Willie himself had written a brief summary of his playing career.
Fr Willie played in a time when the hard men of hurling were revered but Fr Willie let his silken skills do the talking. These skills would take him near and far.
His highest point playing with the Club was winning the County junior hurling title in 1972, promoting the Club to the senior ranks. There he pitted his skills against the best which he really enjoyed.
Fr. Willie played for the AIB Banks alongside the legendary Eddie Keher of Kilkenny, indeed they won the competition with the final being played in Croke Park.
These games with AIB allowed him to play in Thurles, Nolan Park, Gaelic Grounds etc. Indeed the AIB played in an exhibition match in 1973 in the famed Wembley Stadium where Fr. Willie climbed the famous steps to receive his winners medal. Famously, that day two other Kilteely men played, Gerard McGrath for AIB and Mike O Loughlin for Limerick V Kilkenny.
Fr Willie moved to Kilkenny and trained with the famed James Stephens Club with some of the KIlkenny greats at the time.
In 1980 Fr Willie entered St, Patricks College to train for the priesthood where he continued to play.
Fr Willie ended his playing career with Newry Shamrocks where he was based as a priest in 1987.
In the booklet he expressed his love of the the game, calling it the “The most skilful and entertaining game of all”. He also expressed his gratitude the local contribution the local GAA Club makes to the community and how much he still loves watching the game.
Fr. Willie’s last posting was to the Knocklong parish where he became embedded in the community. However, he never forgot his roots and was constantly see in the local church saying mass for weddings, christenings, funerals etc.
As you can see from the above Fr.Willie had a very colourful life and went the length and breath of the country where his gentle soul touched many people.
Fr, Willie can be see in the team photo fourth from the right in the back row before a Senior Hurling game for the Club
Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam
Fr Liam Holmes RIP
The Club would like to pass on our sincere condolences to the family of Fr Liam Holmes, who passed away recently. Former PP of Knockainey Parish and also selector with their senior hurlers, he will be sadly missed.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
KDGAA Begin Foundations For Three Year Plan Virtual Workshop – Tues May 19th
As a follow-up to the excellent Webinar hosted by Denny Ahern, Eibhear O’Dea and Noel O’Dea, on Tuesday 5th May, the club will hold an online Workshop on Tuesday May 19th at 8pm via Zoom.
At the Workshop, the questions that were answered in the Webinar, will be fleshed out more, to form a pathway, in understanding what the 3 year plan will look like for the Club.
Two examples of questions asked, and how they were answered are available to see on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/KilteelyDromkeenGAA/
If you missed out on the Webinar last Tuesday, it is not too late to register and contribute to the Workshop on Tuesday May 19th at 8pm.
Please register at the following link: https://ims.zoom.us/…/…/tJ0pdeGrrTMiH9z22KB7k1REwPFdw70_vtT4
Remember we welcome and appreciate everyone who attends, to ensure that the 3 year plan, is aligned to what the Community needs.
See you all on Tuesday Evening 8pm