Jimmy Breslin – Tribute
Regrettably for a second time last week Fr Manning Gaels was deeply saddened to have lost another club legend.
Jimmy Breslin first came to prominence as a talented minor who was midfield on the club’s first ever appearance in a minor championship final, which unfortunately ended in defeat against Clonguish in 1950. His efforts for the club focussed on the administration side of the GAA after this and he played a major role in reunifying the club as Fr Manning Gaels in 1969, becoming a Trustee. He served as Treasurer from 1972 until 1974 and was a selector with the senior team in 1972. Jimmy helped with underage teams throughout the 70s and into the 80s and came back as an Assistant Treasurer in 1998 & 1999. Throughout the years he worked behind the scenes supporting and fundraising for the club and in 2006 he was made Vice-President and then the following year he was elected a Club President, which became for life.
His love for the Gaels and passion for gaelic football was borne out by the fact that all five sons wore the maroon and gold and won championships with the club. The decades of service to the club from the Breslin family as a whole is incalculable. Jimmy proudly recollected that it stretched back to the old Drumlish & Ballinamuck ‘98s in the early 1900s. 1996 stood out for him as a memorable year when the Gaels ended our 41-year famine with James and Davy playing starring roles. He was proud that Davy, James, John and Mark all played senior championship in the forward line together in 1984, something which was said to not have happened in Longford before. This past year was also a memorable one as grandson Mark played a leading role at midfield for the Gaels in the intermediate championship success and Liam and Cian were stars in Longford’s historic success in the Leinster minor championship.
Jimmy had an incredible knowledge of local history and love for his native parish and above all else he was a gentleman. Predeceased by his loving wife Tess, we extend our deepest sympathy to his children David, James, John, Mark, Paul, Pauline, Joan, and Clare; sisters Kay, Agnes, Peggy and Maureen; grandchildren, extended family and friends. Solas na bhFlaitheas air.
Lotto
The lotto draw took place in Quinn’s Bar, Drumlish on Monday last, November 25th. The Jackpot was €2,200. The numbers drawn were as follows:
19, 26, 29, 30
There was no winner. The Jackpot is now €2,400!
The three €50 winners were:
Patricia Crowe
Ann Marie Mallon
Kathleen Reynolds Casey
Thank you to all who support our lotto. Thank you to Cathal for doing the draw, use of the premises and for providing refreshments. The next draw will take place in The Mill Bar, Drumlish on Monday, December 9th. Please play again on Clubspot by selecting the Fr Manning Gaels option or from the usual ticket sellers.
Our Club: The Fr Manning Gaels Story
The Gaels history book can be purchased in Seamus Kane’s, Whitney’s, Kiernan’s, Drumlish Post Office and the shop in Ballinamuck or by contacting Pauric directly, particularly if you want it posted. The book costs €50. There are also a limited number of special hardback copies of the book available. Please contact Pauric directly if you would like one. These books cost €60.
Annual General Meeting
The AGM takes place in Monaduff clubhouse at 5pm this Sunday, December 8th. It was postponed last week as a mark of respect for the late Jimmy Breslin.
Oskars
The date for our ‘Night at the Oskars’ event, kindly sponsored by Maplewood Residential, is fast approaching. Tickets cost €30 and can be purchased from any member of the executive. Fundraising efforts continue as Pakie and Mark Duffy’s 5kn Fun Run takes place this Sunday. Pauline and Amanda Duffy have a Ladies Night in O’Reilly’s Bar this Saturday night
Sympathy
The club extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mary Keane, Main Street, who passed away last week. Solas na bhFlaitheas uirthi