Underage hurling blitz honours memory of the late John Kennedy

Over 100 boys took part in the first John Kennedy Memorial hurling blitz in Castletown GAA pitch, which was held in memory of John who sadly passed away in a tragic farm accident earlier this year.

John’s parents Donal and Winnie, together with his brothers Daniel, Mark and Colin were in attendance at the event and were treated to skilful and highly entertaining matches from Glynn-Barntown, Rathnure, Rapparees and Castle- town.

The under 10 and under 9 teams fought hard on the day, but Rathnure were the overall winners who received the cup and the Rapparees won the shield. Each team member was presented with a medal for participating by John’s brothers.

Everyone enjoyed a meal of roast pig on a spit and salads, which went down a treat. The organisers of the day would like to thank the numerous sponsors for making the day possible, including Gardiner Grain, Glanbia, Glen Fuels, Farm Services in Coolgreany, Siopa Linn in Tara Hill and Jim Short, Coolgreany.

The organisers want to thank all who participated and helped out on the day, it was a huge success and a honour for John and his family.

John’s motto in life was ‘ Life is what you make of it. Work hard, dream big and anything is possible.’

The Castletown Liam Mellows under-10 team. ABOVE: brothers Daniel, Colin and Mark Kennedy with the cup and shield at the John Kennedy Memorial blitz, pictured with the captains, Oisin Larkin, Rapparees; Colin Carey, Glynn Barntown; Mickey Codd, Rathnure and Ian Noctor, Castletown. LEFT: the late John Kennedy.

The Glynn-Barntown under-9 team.

The Rapparees under-9 team, shield winners.

The Rathnure under-10 team, cup winners.