Kill's sporting memories take centre stage on special centenary nigh
Ted Walsh, Laoise Lenehan and Brendan Sheridan
Kill GAA marked its centenary year with a hugely enjoyable Memories Night, where members and supporters took a nostalgic journey through the club's rich sporting history and celebrated many of the area's outstanding sporting personalities.
Among those remembered was the late Colm McCoy, who represented Ireland at the 1960 Olympic Games and boxed in the same weight division as Cassius Clay, the man who would later become known worldwide as Muhammad Ali. The evening also paid tribute to Paralympian Geraldine Sheridan, who won a bronze medal at the 1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona.
Special guest on the night was Kildare football great Kieran O'Malley, who enjoyed a distinguished sporting career that included winning an All-Ireland Junior Hurling medal in 1962 and a Sigerson Cup medal with UCD in 1959.
Current sporting stars from the parish were also recognised, including Kildare ladies football captain Laoise Lenehan, Leinster Minor medallists Jack Reilly and Eoin Markey, and All-Ireland-winning under-16 players Ellen Moran and Aoife Hayes. Hayes' achievements as a dual player were also highlighted, having won both Leinster and All-Ireland camogie medals with Kildare.
The celebration extended beyond Gaelic games, with rugby internationals Phil Lawlor, Ruth Campbell and Adam Byrne among those honoured. Byrne's brother, Sam, an underage soccer international, was also acknowledged, while Haley Nolan was recognised for representing Ireland on the international soccer stage.
The area's proud racing heritage was represented by renowned figures Ted Walsh and Brendan Sheridan, who brought along photographs commemorating some of their most memorable successes on the turf. St Brigid's National School, which has nurtured emerging sporting talent for generations, was represented by Pat Gallagher.
The evening also remembered members of Kill teams that won three Leinster titles and an Under-21 championship. One of the most treasured exhibits on display was an All-Ireland medal and watch belonging to Joe O'Loughlin from 1928, brought along by his grandson, Mark.
Among the more recent GAA successes celebrated was Ellen Bryan's Leinster Under-14 medal-winning achievement.
Given the large attendance and the positive reaction from those present, discussions are already under way about staging a similar event next year, potentially as part of Heritage Week celebrations.
The event was organised by Noel Cocoman, Paul Heaney and Eamonn Bermingham, while thanks were extended to James Roche for facilitating the gathering.
