Coffee morning in Kenneth’s memory to support hospice

A Breakfast Morning has been organised by Glenmore AC in Mullaghbuoy Community Centre this coming Sunday, April 21, in memory of the late Chairman of the club, Kenneth McBride. The event will commence after the morning mass in Mullaghbuoy Church and continue until around 12 noon. Proceeds are in aid of the North Louth Hospice and Homecare.

In a tribute to Kenneth, club spokesperson Rose White described him as “a son, brother, daddy, cousin, friend and workmate to many and to us at Glenmore AC, he was a coach, committee member and chairperson, affectionately known to many as Ken. He was so proud to carry on the legacy his father and others started. He was passionate about our club”.

Rose continued: “He strove to learn the best method of coaching the juveniles, he wanted the best for them, and he wanted it to be fun, he worked so well with many but made so much with coach Joan, who together they planned their weekly training sessions diligently. They had a plan they knew exactly what they were going to do. This was the way Ken worked.

“Kenneth loved to offer the Mointe as a training venue for the club during the cross country season. For those of you who may not know this place, it is situated close to the Long Woman’s Grave with a beautiful view of the valley, the mountains on both sides and Annagh bog at its back. It was the home of his ancestors and where as a child tending to sheep with his father and family, he had great memories. This became known as Ken’s field (Denis being the farmer might not be too happy about that) and he would arrive there early on a Sunday morning to set out the course before the 8am start. He couldn’t understand that they wouldn’t turn up in their droves and would occasionally say why isn’t there more availing of this and, quote, ‘sure, if they think the course is too tough, can’t they appreciate the lovely views – where else would you want to be on an early morning’.

“Kenneth loved a challenge, and there lies the name of the great event he was part of ‘ The Glenmore Challenge’, where he helped design and develop the unique wooden medals. For those of us who were lucky enough to work with him in the club in any of the events, we know the way he operated.

“He was diligent, hard-working, thought overnight of what was the best way to deliver. He was human like us all and for his faults, he was reluctant to ask someone to do a job when he could do it himself.

“Kenneth delighted in the nine months spent working on the The Life and Times of Glenmore Athletic club before the 50th anniversary and made some great friends.

“His tenure as chairperson came just before covid and restricted what could be done but as restrictions lifted, he met with the O’Hare family and offered young David the one to one coaching that gave so much expertise to this young athlete. It has started a friendship that inspired all and gave far more to the club that one could imagine. Their combined efforts resulted in David travelling to the world Downs Syndrome events in Italy in 2021 and he was the first Irish athlete to compete in the world multi events.

“Ken had a vision like so many before him. The juvenile coaching is well established with so many great coaches and so many all with one purpose to give of their best. He with others commenced on the road to further develop facilities that will give our growing numbers a track that will meet the demands of all.

“Up to recent weeks he has led the club in so many ways focusing on the development to the next stage. He sourced people to new roles, he knew what he could ask and get the answer he wanted.

“For those of us left behind we owe it to him to carry on the good work he was part of. We will all have our own memories of the impact he had on us. Ken – Kenneth thank you for your leadership. We will miss you”.