A fitting tribute
THE first ever Bobby Messett Over 35’s Memorial match has left a very high standard for its successors.
It pitted Glencormac United against Garden County and a lively and entertaining match that saw the Bray club edge past their hosts on a scoreline of 3-5.
The goalscorers for Glencormac United were Damien Johnson, Damien Duff (former Republic of Ireland international) and Gary Messett (current ROI CP internatioal). It’s said that Damien Johnson is still waiting on a call-up for the Boys in Green.
Duff’s goal was straight out of the proverbial top drawer and it was a touching moment to see Bobby’s son Gary tuck away his effort from 12 yards.
As for the victors, Stuart Purcell landed a brace and Keith Moloney, Thomas ‘Tucker’ Tobin and Stephen Martin also found the back of the net as they scooped the honours as the first ever champions of the Bobby Messett Memorial.
Gary was not the only one proudly representing Bobby on the field of play, Bobby Jr. also featured as did Alex, the son of Bobby’s partner of Natalie.
Trevor Carr and Colm Griffith had the unenviable task of ensuring that everyone who wanted to play a part for Glencormac United got to do so - more proof of just how popular a figure that Bobby was and continues to be.
The not-so-young legs got some well deserved rest afterwards in Plucks where an auction and raffle took place which saw a handsome sum of money raised. Prizes included tickets to see Liverpool vs Man United, tickets for Liverpool vs Newcastle, tickets for Man United vs West Ham (Bobby wouldn’t have bid for those!) and a heap of other fantastic prizes which were generously bid for.
The evening ended with a moment’s applause for Bobby. He may be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten.
There are seemingly far too many individuals to single out for praise but it was the brainchild of Alan Prendergast who organised the entire evening in less than three weeks. It was an outstanding success and a fitting tribute to Bobby. Congratulations to anyone who helped in any way.