Johnny Cooney – Tribute
Our club was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Johnny Cooney last week. Johnny was an exceptionally hard worker for the senior club from the 1970s onwards, where he was a selector with teams of every grade as well as being Assistant Treasurer and on many finance committees raising vital funds over the years. He had a passion for Scór, and he also co-ordinated the club’s cultural efforts for many years.
However, it is with our underage club St Vincents where Johnny was best known. From the late 60s onwards, Johnny was a constant with underage teams. There was scarcely a role within the club that he did not do at some point. He was Chairman from 1972 until 1979 and again from 1999 until 2002. He was also Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and finally County Board Delegate from 2003 until 2018, when he then became Club President. There are too many teams to mention, of which he was the trainer and selector, for over 40 years. Two of the teams he spoke fondly of being involved with were the Juvenile League winning team in 1971 and the Minor Championship winning amalgamation with Lough Forbes Gaels the following year. He was a true driving force for the underage club over the decades. Many players would not have played at all were it not for Johnny driving around to the houses to collect lads in his car. Entire teams often hopped out of his Morris Minor, as he ensured that that no boy would be left behind. All he ever wanted was to see St Vincents do well and he was very proud to see his three sons represent the maroon and gold, winning many leagues and championships. A well of local knowledge and information, he was also the go-to man whenever clarification was sought on the rules and bye-laws of the GAA.
Pre-deceased by his loving wife Eileen, and sister Sheila, we extend our deepest sympathy to his sons Ciarán, Seán and Diarmuid, brothers Kevin and Michael, sister Mary, extended family and many friends.
Solas na bhFlaitheas air.
U-21 Championship
The U-21s received the points from Rathcline at the weekend and that concluded the championship for our lads. Thank you to the panel of players for the efforts and the management team of Paddy Collum, Gearoid Nertney and Paddy McKeon.
Lotto
The lotto draw took place in Quinn’s Bar, Drumlish on Monday last, November 25th. The Jackpot was €2,200. Results are currently on the club website and social media and will be published in next week’s notes. Thank you to all who support our lotto. 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 8pm this Thursday evening, November 28th. It was postponed last week as a mark of respect for the late Johnny Cooney.
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. The fundraising efforts continue this week as Pauric Gill is ‘Buried Alive’ from 9am until 9pm in O’Reilly’s Bar this Saturday and Breda Lynch’s wonderful Christmas hamper is currently being raffled on Clubspot. Pakie and Mark Duffy’s 5km Fun Run was postponed at the weekend as a mark of respect for the late Johnny Cooney and will now take place on December 8th.
Sympathy
The club extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of both Anne Ball, Ballinamuck, and John Bohan (USA), who passed away last week. Solas na bhFlaitheas orthu