Action from the Keith Madigan memorial football match.
On Saturday last, the 1999 All Ireland football winning side gathered in Mullinavat to play the local side in a Keith Madigan memorial game, marking the 10th anniversary of Keith’s death. Almost all of the squad from ’99 were in attendance with a few unavoidably absent. It may be 12 years since Hogan Cup glory and while the pace and tempo may have dropped a little, the touch of class remains. At the end of a highly entertaining game, Counsel ’99 were victorious by a single point. It is worth noting that the Mullinavat squad itself had no fewer than 18 past pupils involved, including such Liam McCarthy cup winners, Walter Burke and Willie O’Dwyer.
Great credit to Conor Conway and the other Mullinavat lads for organising the event to remember their great comrade and friend and after the game Good Counsel captain, Walter Delaney spoke eloquently of the regard in which Keith was held. The winning trophy was presented back to the Madigan family as a tribute to his memory. Mrs Biddy Madigan recalled the day of the All Ireland final in 1999 and the juggling of priorities in their house on the day as a younger sibling was being confirmed. Of course the confirmation time was brought forward – even the bishop had to defer to the importance of the game in Croke Park. The reminiscences continued back in ‘The Rod Iron’ where a fabulous lay out of food was provided by the Kellys. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to a most enjoyable occasion and in particular to Eugene, Biddy Madigan and their family for their kind support of the event.
John Paul Phelan on the Senior Hurling Team of 1996/97
Congratulations to John Paul Phelan, past pupil on his election to the Dail last week. A memer of the Senate for the past 5 years, he took a seat for Fine Gael in the Carlow/Kilkenny constituency. Best wishes to him in what will undoubtedly be a tough task ahead.
A fantastic first for the u-14 Badminton team during the week when they won the Leinster Division 1 title sweeping past their opponents and winning 17 out of their 18 games. While the school has lifted Leinster badminton titles previously, this was the first time to win the top division. The team of Ian Carthy, Noel Dunne, Jack Dunne and Stephen O’Gorman now go on to play in the All Ireland Finals on April 6th. Well done, and good luck to them and their coach Ms Karen Byrne.
