The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
KILLARNEY ATHLETIC’S SUNNY DAY
A SUN-KISSED Woodlawn on the banks of the River Flesk was the picturesque setting as Killarney Athletic unveiled a commemorative plaque acknowledging Don Harrington, who founded the club in 1965.
Don himself was at hand to present the Monica Harrington Memorial Cup to Colette Casey for her unwavering commitment to the club, and he thanked the club for their support since Monica’s passing: “I will never forget the kindness the club has shown to me since my dear wife Monica passed away over a year ago.”
“It’s my pleasure to present this cup for the second time, this time to Collette Casey, another lady committed and dedicated to Killarney Athletic Club, just like last year’s winner Mary Carrick.”
The events were attended by Donagh Gleeson, Pat Doody, and John Sparling, who were all part of Athletic’s earliest teams, as well as members representing all five decades of the club’s history thereafter.
Mike O’Sullivan was present, and praised Don for his work all those years ago: “Don was a 19-year-old Garda when he founded the club in 1965. I must acknowledge the support and encouragement he must have received from his colleagues in the Killarney station at the time.”
Mike was also quick to acknowledge the generosity shown by the late John McShain, who, through his solicitor, the late Michael Casey, granted Don permission to use part of his land in the Half-Moon field for a soccer pitch:“That link still remains there today through the support of Killarney National Park, as the club continues to use a pitch in the Knockreer playing field.”
Club Chairman Mike O’Shea said “meeting and getting to know Don over the past year has inspired me greatly.” On behalf of the club, Mike presented Don with an award sponsored by Tim Tobin, another former member of the force and Chairman of the Club.