St Mogue’s conquer London
THERE were incredible scenes in London as the village of Fethard-on-Sea cleared out and travelled en masse to Ruislip, where the junior team triumphed over Brother Pearses GAA club by three points.
Fethard woman Geraldine Heneghan said she never saw scenes comparable to the joy and ecstasy of the St Mogue’s win that bright November day.
Ms Heneghan, who lives in Essex, said: ‘I was born and reared in Fethardon-Sea. I have lived in London for over 40 years and in that time I have held dear all that goes with an Irish upbringing. I brought up my children to appreciate the good things in life. The things that were ‘Irish’ were the most important and none more than hurling and Gaelic football.
‘As a family we attended the Gaelic grounds in Ruislip many times over the years and many times we went home hoarse from shouting for our local hurling and football clubs. Coming from Wexford hurling “the small ball” was our favourite. I can honestly say we had some great days in Ruislip cheering on those who played the sport we loved so much.
‘In all those years I thought we had seen and witnessed everything, but I was wrong. On November 25 the Fethard St Mogue’s came to Ruislip and the whole place stood to attention.
‘ The St Mogue’s, led by their captain Garrett Foley, played the game of their lives and beat the Brothers Pearse with relative ease.
‘ The St Mogue’s hurling team were making history with their performance but it was the supporters who were making the biggest impression of all. There were men, women and children who travelled from Fethard-on-Sea that weekend and there were men, women and their children who had made that same journey more than 40 or 50 years earlier.
‘But on that day we all stood together cheering and shouting and celebrating as the hurling team from our tiny little village gave us a memory that we will treasure for years to come. And once again we returned to our homes very hoarse but very happy.’