The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Memorial event planned for former Branford coach McGuirk
Last May marked a sad occasion for the Branford field hockey team and the state’s field hockey community with the passing of legendary Branford field hockey coach Cathy McGuirk.
To honor her memory, Branford High and the Branford field hockey team have planned a memorial for McGuirk on Oct. 9 before the start of the Hornets’ game against visiting Shelton.
“Cathy McGuirk was a larger than life figure,” Branford field hockey coach Pete Frye said. “She is certainly that rare person that had a huge impact on a sport not only locally, but statewide, as well as nationally.
“I’m just a steward of the program that she built. It’s history of success would be hard to match anywhere. Our current players each carry a piece of every team that has ever taken the field for Branford before them. That’s the legacy that Cathy built. Branford field hockey is truly a sisterhood.”
On Oct. 9 the Hornets will host a.junior varsity game starting at 3 p.m. followed by the varsity game at 4:30 p.m. The Branford booster club will set up a tent for Branford alumni and the team will be honoring McGuirk’s memory prior to the varsity game. John McGuirk, Cathy McGuirk’s husband and longtime assistant coach, will be invited.
Alumni will be invited to the event to pay their respects to McGuirk and also speak with John McGuirk.
McGuirk coached for 41 seasons and retired in 2018. She had a 558-129-66-12 record, including 10 Class M championships in 14 finals’ appearances. She also won 17 regular-season league titles.
There are also plans for another MilesForMcGuirk fundraiser to raise money for ALS research and details are still being worked out. The first event was held in October 2020 and raised $15,000.
“Being a Branford assistant coach now who was fortunate enough to play for Branford and the McGuirks, keeping the tradition and magic of Branford field hockey alive is more important than ever since Mrs. McGuirk’s passing,” Jenna Limone said. “While she is not physically with us anymore, she still lives in her former players, her students and every person she impacted throughout her time as a coach and educator.
“The memorial is meant to be a celebration of someone whose true purpose in life was to make other’s lives more meaningful. We expect a great turnout of former players from all different eras.”