Sympathies.
illness borne with dignity and fortitude. In his youth John Joe was an integral part of the golden era of the Kickhams club, when winning west titles was an almost annual event. John Joe won eleven west senior hurling medals as well as Crosco cup and minor hurling medals. He also lined out at Full Back with another fellow Kickham stalwart, the late John Farrell of Grantstown playing
at mid field on the All Ireland winning Tipperary minor hurling team of 1947 which had a great victory over Galway . John Joe, Breda and family lived for a number of years on Main Street Dundrum where Breda operated a hairdresser’s and some of the older children went to Bishopswood School (now Woodlands Nursing Home) With John Joes business interests in Tipperary town it was natural that the family would move there. However he still kept up his interest in the club and would always ask about how the Kickhams were doing. As a mark of respect to John Joe and the Mc Cormack family the club provided a guard of honour as he was brought to his final resting place at St Michaels Cemetery Tipperary Town. The Mc Cormack name is synonymous with the history of the Kickham club and the family name is still represented on club teams right up to the present day, We extend our deepest condolences to his devoted wife Breda and family on their sad loss, we also offer our sympathies to the extended Mc Cormack family, neighbours and friends on his passing. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
As we waited in the soft April mist for the arrival of John Joes remains at St Michaels Cemetery the news began filtering through of the sudden death in England of Donal O’ Brien formerly of Lisloran, another Gael that was held in very high regard within the GAA community. Donal resided in the USA since 1963 and had been in England visiting his brother Jimmy when he died suddenly.
The news of his death sent shock waves through the Kickham folk and stories of his heroics between the posts for the club and County were recounted for those who had not been lucky enough to have witnessed them. Donal grew up watching the likes of John Joe and all the great hurling men of those Kickhams teams dominate the West. Goalkeeping was his skill , but when his time came to play for the club little did any one think that those glorious successful club days were going to come to an abrupt end, He won two west senior medals in 1959 and 1960.However the Kickham club would not again claim a West Senior Hurling title until 1997. Donals talent did not go unnoticed and he was selected for county duty where he went on play a starring role between the posts for the Tipperary Senior hurlers as they won back to back All Irelands in 1961 and 1962, beating Wexford and Dublin in the finals. He then emigrated to the US , but made many visits over the years across the Atlantic to visit family and friends. We offer our condolences to his heartbroken wife Frances and family and the extended O’Brien Family on their sad loss. When Donal’s Funeral takes place in the US later this week, his coffin will be draped with the flag and the Goalkeepers jersey of his beloved Knocakavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams Club. As I write this I have just learnt of the passing in England of Donal’s brother Jimmy after a long illness bravely borne, we extend our sympathies to his loving wife Patricia and family at this sad time, May Donal and Jimmy rest in peace.
Junior (A) Hurling.
Our Juniors had a good win over Lattin Cullen in Sean Treacy Park on Saturday evening last on the score 3-15 to 0-9, see match report in The Nationalist.
Minor (B) Football.
Our Minors play Clonoulty Rossmore in Dundrum on this Wednesday night @ 7pm, your support would be appreciated.
Co Board Draw.
This Years County Board draw celebrates 25 years and there are fantastic prizes to be won. We would ask all our promoters to try and make a special effort to get out early and make it a success as 50% will come back to the club. If any one wants to join you can contact any Club Officer or Lar Na Páirce on: 0504 22702
Membership.
We are again calling on all involved in the club to please pay their membership fees as soon as possible. Contact Margaret Hayes, Michael Shanahan or any club officer
to pay same. You are not covered by insurance until membership is paid. Adult players 50 euro, U18 10 euro, Non player 25 euro.
Kickham Gear.
We have just got this years order of Kickham togs from Juvenile to Adult as well as Socks and Kickham Gear bags in Small and large, For details ring Sean on 087-2646441
Website
Keep up to date with club happenings on our website www.kdkickhams.tipperary.gaa.ie
Also Facebook ‘Kickham GAA’ & ‘Kickham juvenile gaa’
DUNDRUM TIDY TOWNS.
Dundrum tidy towns would like to thank everyone for their support and many generous contributions during the past year, thanks to everyone for their support of our fashion show also, it was a
huge success. We are meeting again to get going with this years projects, we have great plans including tidying up the patch of unused land opposite the barracks, painting the wall outside
O’ Dwyer Steel, we also want to try and set up a heritage trail and lots more. New volunteers badly needed, we meet up at our new headquarters opposite scout hall entrance every Tuesday and
Thursday. Love to see you then.
KNOCK PILGRIMAGE.
The annual pilgrimage of Our Lady’s Sodality to Knock shrine will take place on the 29th and 30th of May.
PIONEER NEWS.
Sponsored Walk
Sincere thanks to all who supported our recent walk, the sum of 3,100 euro was raised.
Dinner Dance.
Our Annual Dinner Dance takes place on Saturday the 21st of April in Dundrum House Hotel, Tickets @ 25 euro from Mary Morrissey on 087- 2954891 or any Pioneer Centre member.
Retreat.
This years Retreat will be held in St Patrick’s College Thurles on Sunday the 29th of April from 9.30 am to 5.30pm. Directed by Father John Egan, the Retreat costs 35 euro including
lunch and afternoon tea.
