The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Unveiling of John Egan statue to feature in new DVD
“JOHN Egan up to Eoin Liston, Liston back to Egan and now they’re really rolling. Egan across to the far side of the field to Mikey Sheehy, in it goes now and…a goal!!”
Above is Michael O’Hehir’s commentary in the lead up to Jack O’Shea’s famous goal against Offaly in 1981 which helped Kerry win 4-in-a-row. As O’Hehir’s commentary suggests, pivotal to that goal was the late John Egan who is unquestionably one of the finest forwards in history.
John’s home village of Sneem has hosted many great days in the past, but I doubt there are many to compete with its most recent when a beautifully sculpted bronze statue of John was unveiled before a large crowd in June.
As he so often does, Cahersiveen’s Christy Riordan was close by to capture the momentous occasion for posterity which will now feature in a new DVD to be released later in the year.
The DVD features interviews with such legends as Mick O’Dwyer, Pat Spillane, Ger O’Keeffe, Matt Connor, Seamus Derby and Niall Cahalane. It also captures the huge crowds that turned up on that sun-drenched day, while footage is interspersed with action from John’s mesmerising playing days in the green-and-gold and some famous newspaper headlines of that time. It’s the perfect tribute to John Egan in every way.
“I’m in the process of editing it at the moment with the Sneem Committee and it will be available in time for the Christmas market,” said Christy Riordan.
“Many people didn’t witness that great day, especially those overseas, and we just felt capturing the day on DVD was a good way of preserving it, while also giving a wider audience an opportunity to see it. It’ll be ready for Christmas and anyone with queries can call me on 087 922 6284.”