The small parish of Killannin has always provided more than its share of sporting giants, and this week two, who are at the top of their game, are in the news again.
Galway footballer Johnny Heaney may be recovering from a disappointing end to Galway's All-Ireland hopes, but has reached out to his Killannin/Oughterard community to thank them for their support during the recent All Ireland campaign.
"Just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone from Killannin GAA, Oughterard GAA/LGFA, Moycullen GAA, and all over Galway (and the gang in Vancouver ) for covering the place in maroon and white over the last few weeks with flags, bunting, signs, cards and well wishes. It really meant a lot and didn’t go unnoticed.
"Unfortunately we didn’t get the result we wanted, but I am so proud to say I am from such a small parish with such a massive heart and community spirit that is Killannin, and that I get to represent an unbelievable county that is Galway.
"Hopefully we can continue next year, go one step further and get over the line. But for now focus is back with the club and I can’t wait to get started this weekend. Just again thanks so much to everyone near and far. We’ll be back."
Niamh Fahey is known more for her exploits on the soccer pitch, but she too was at the heart of sport in the Killannin/Oughterard area, having a massive influence and inspiration on the development of women's GAA in the western parishes.
However, it is soccer that has ensured Fahey is a household name both in Ireland and across the water, and this week the former Arsenal and Chelsea player, penned a new contract to keep her at Liverpool, having captained the side to championship victory last season.
Now 34, Fahey, whose brothers Richie and Gary are well known Galway Gaelic footballers - Gary having captained Galway to the Sam McGuire in 2001 - is delighted to enter her fifth season with the Reds.
"Getting to lift the trophy last season, there's nowhere else I'd rather be," she says. "It wasn't even a decision."
With two Galway minors, St Paul's Oughterard's Luke Carr, and Brian Mitchell, also hailing from Killannin, and Moycullen brothers Sean and Paul Kelly at the forefront of the Galway senior footballers, the parishes of the west will be hoping it rubs off on their respective senior sides as they begin their championship campaign.
