Anne’s recall ’68 glory
THE ST. Anne’s Senior football champions of 1968 celebrated the 50th anniversary of that win with an event upstairs in the new complex in Rathangan last week.
There was a great turn-out and all enjoyed the new facilities opened by the club recently. It was greatly enjoyed by all present, with the whole match and many others recalled over and over again with some little exaggerations here and there.
Michael Foley, Chairman of Seana Ghael, was special guest along with his wife, Josie.
He made the presentations of a nice Celtic Cross and a folder of all the three games in the championship as outlined in the local newspapers, to all the players and the respective relatives of those who have since passed away.
He emphasised the importance of all their under-age victories and how they were brought to fruition to adult victories by the late, great Fr. Paddy McDonald.
Joe O’Shaughnessy of Castletown, who played against St. Anne’s in that final, also spoke as did the captain of the team Davy Rowe, trainer John Howlin, John Furlong and Noel Rochford who was home from Australia for the event.
Chairman of the club Charlie White opened up the proceedings and welcomed everyone to the reunion.
He thanked the lads of all those years ago for helping to promote the games and noted how this victory has handed down that winning tradition to the club.
He then introduced the Under-13 footballers who had brought the Premier title to the parish recently with Páidí Doyle as captain, carrying the cup.
Jim Berry, who was club Secretary in 1968 and a member of the winning team, was fear an tí for the event.
Some of the old supporters of that era were also present, as was parish priest Fr. Kevin Cahill and resident photographer Finola Walsh.
Ger Berry and the ladies’ committee fed and ‘watered’ those present, with simply delicious food from valued club member Noel Doyle. A great night was had by all.