I was walking to Mass last Sunday morning when a friend stopped me in my tracks to give me the dreadful news of the untimely and tragic deaths of Ger Feeney and Donal McEllin. It was news that left me devastated and for a moment I wasn’t sure whether I would carry on to Mass or not. But I did and it offered me an opportunity to reflect and think about both men. This undoubtedly was one of Castlebar’s saddest weeks in a long time, and God knows we have had a few sad occasions in recent times. Both men possessed big personalities and were hugely popular locally and throughout the county. They were also influential figures in the daily happenings of the Castlebar Mitchell’s GAA club, Ger as a coach/ manager of several teams down through the years and Donal as a do-gooder whenever required. Time spent in the company of either man was always memorable, usually enlightening and occasionally full of incident! Throughout this past week we have gathered at different times and locations to reminisce about both men. Judging by the enormous crowds witnessed at both men’s funerals it is remarkable how their sudden passing resonated with so many. Ger was also revered in the history of Ballintubber football and I have heard many these past few days talk about his incredible strength, energy, fearlessness and manliness when donning the colours of Ballintubber. Of course he lined out with Mayo and is one of a few who has the distinction of winning All -Ireland medals at both minor and under- 21 level. It was well known that Ger idolised his family and was enormously proud of their many achievements. He was particularly proud of the fact that both Castlebar Mitchell’s and Ballintubber had made it through to this year’s senior final. In his house he couldn’t lose as both Alan and Richard are playing with the Mitchels and nephew John is lining out with Ballintubber. Also, Alan and cousin John are both captains on their respective teams. In fact Ger even had a specially commissioned jersey made of both teams’ colours for the final.
Donal McEllin was a wonderful Mayo man too. I had the pleasure of travelling to a number of Mayo’s matches in his company. Donal was immensely proud of his nephew Tom Cunniffe and a photograph of the Mayo All- Ireland under- 21 winning team from 2006, in which Tom was such an influential player, takes pride of place in Donal’s sitting room. I know that Donal provided great assistance in an unobtrusive manner to the management of the under 21 set up during the three years that Tom was involved at this level. He had taken a more active role at club level as Tom made his way onto the senior side. In recent times he could be seen working diligently ensuring the pitches were in tip top shape. In fact I sought him out only a few weeks ago to compliment him on the wonderful work he was doing up at the Mitchell’s grounds. I would like to extend my sincere sympathies to both families.
Moran was the man
I was at the County Junior Football final last Sunday afternoon between Parke and Islandeady. Islandeady won’t mind me suggesting that they never really played to their true potential on the day and Parke were fully deserving of their victory. Paul Moran typified the resilience and spirit of the Parke team. Paul plays corner back. I thought he was immense from start to finish. But as has always been the situation the ‘champagne’ players (forwards ) are normally the ones who walk away with the man of the match awards!
Debate and controversy aplenty over the All Star selection
The selection of the annual All Star team inevitably creates lots of debate and controversy, and the selection of the 2010 team hasn’t failed in that regard this week. Cork footballing folk will not be too happy after the announcement of the GAA All stars. Cork's haul of four equals the lowest ever total for the All-Ireland champions - Offaly (1971 ), Dublin (1983 ) and Down (1991 ) all won just four awards. Two of the provincial champions, Meath and Roscommon, haven’t received an All Star at all this year. Roscommon will be particularly peeved by not having Donie Shine nominated for young player of the year. I think he should have been. Another interesting statistic from this year’s selection is the fact that not one of the forward line that played in last month's final win over Down has been selected. I felt that, when it came to the selection of the forwards this year, there were seven for six positions. That seventh player was Cork’s Daniel Goulding and he was the unfortunate one to lose out. But the reality is that it was a different Cork player who shone in practically every game played. The other statistic that militated against a Cork player’s selection in the forward line is the fact that about two thirds of their scores were from placed balls in the semi-final and final. However it is difficult to argue with any of the six players selected. I was happy to see Johnny Doyle make this year’s team. I saw an RTE selection on the night of the All- Ireland final that didn’t have him included and I found it difficult to fathom how this year’s top scorer could have been omitted. What it does prove is the fact that selecting an All Star team is not an exact science. I think the real discussion took place when it came to selecting the defence as midfield more or less picked itself. Louth’s Paddy Keenan was brilliant all year and he, more than anyone, was responsible for Louth’s run to their first Leinster Final in half a century. Everyone would agree that Aidan Walsh, after his magnificent final display, was always going to be a shoo in. Limerick’s John Galvin has been their outstanding player for the last 10/11 years and I can understand entirely if there is disappointment in their camp. The Rebels have three defenders – Michael Shields, Paudie Kissane and Graham Canty - in the side and they are joined by Peter Kelly (Kildare ), Charlie Harrison (Sligo ) and Philip Jordan (Tyrone ). What this year’s selection tells us is that league performances, as criterion for an all-star award are off the agenda. On occasions in the past a good league run by a team more or less meant a reward by the All Star committee…not anymore! Incidentally, I expect Bernard Brogan will receive the Footballer of the Year award tonight, with the young player of the year award going to Aidan Walsh.
