Late Killorglin GAA stalwart honoured by county committee
Kerry’s €10k for Temple St
YOU won’t get many marks in an exam for stating that Laune Rangers is one of Kerry’s best known GAA clubs. But from tradition stems a proud sense of continuity and this was very much in evidence at Coffey’s Pub in Killorglin last week when the ‘ James Coffey Perpetual Cup’ was launched ahead of the U21 County Championship Final between Mid Kerry and Kenmare District.
James Coffey gave his life to all matters GAA as officer with Laune Rangers for over 50 years and as chairman and secretary of the Mid Kerry District Board.
James also spent three decades as treasurer of the Kerry County Board.
Members of the Coffey family were joined on the night by Kerry County Committee Chairman, Tim Murphy, members of Mid Kerry District Board and Laune Rangers Club. Former Kerry County Board Chairman, Jerome Conway also paid a lovely tribute to James when highlighting his lifelong dedication to the Gaa in Kerry.
Appropriately, the launch was held in Coffey’s Pub – a building where James’ father, Seamus helped found the Laune Rangers Club in the late 19th Century. Finbarr Coffey is James’s son and he expressed the family’s huge sense of pride at the event.
“The Coffey family have always been involved in the Gaa and my father gave his life to the game. He was a very quiet and unassuming man and a thorough gentlemen. This cup was proposed by many of his close friends and Peter Twiss deserves great praise for bringing it to fruition. To have such a high profile trophy named in dad’s honour is beyond our wildest dreams,” Finbarr said.
Finbarr added that he was delighted that some of his dad’s closest friends, men like Bart Moriarty, Declan Falvey and Peter Twiss, were also present on the night.
“The came from all over the county to attend this event and as a family we’re indebted to all those who made it happen. We’re very honoured and delighted dad’s memory will be commemorated with this cup. I also just want to thank Laune Rangers for providing refreshments on the night.” BAKERS across Kerry turned up the heat this spring and raised €10,800 for Temple Street Children’s Hospital during this year’s Great Irish Bake for Temple Street.
People all around the county got on board for the special fundraising event, which was held in April.
Now in its ninth year, the Great Irish Bake encourages families, schools and businesses to get together, hold their own bake sale and raise vital funds to help bring hope and healing to sick children and their families in the children’s hospital.
Funds raised will be used to purchase new equipment.