An inaugural six-a-side soccer tournament in memory of a much-loved Killarney Garda, who lost his battle with illness over two years ago, has proved to be a real hit.
Pictures: Marie Carroll O’Sullivan
Paudie Twohig (44) passed away on 1st August 2001 following a brave battle with cancer and his death caused huge shock and regret in the town where he was based and greatly respected.
He had been diagnosed with stage four melanoma the previous April and his passing occurred just after he welcomed his second daughter, Olivia Hope, in to the world,
The six-a-side soccer event, attended by Paudie’s wife, Diane, and his parents John and Maura, was sponsored by Kerry Garda Sports Club and it featured eight teams made up of members of An Garda Siochána.
Some great battles were witnessed at Celtic Park, home of Kerry league and kingpins Killarney Celtic and the teams that participated were Killarney Detective and Drugs Unit, Castleisland Gardaí, Tralee Detective Branch, Caherciveen/Killorglin Gardaí, Dingle Gardaí, Tralee Uniformed Gardaí and the DPSU.
The final was a showdown between the Tralee Detective Branch and the Tralee Uniformed Gardaí – a real, no favours asked or given local derby – and the Paudie Twohig Perpetual Cup was won by the latter after an epic encounter. It was presented by Paudie’s wide, Diane, also a member of An Garda Siochána.
The player of the tournament was Mark Heffernan who also happened to be on the winning team.
The event was organised by Tom Burke who is married to well-known Community Garda Mary Gardiner. Tom graduated from the Garda College in Templemore with Ballinagree, Co Cork native Paudie and they remained great friends.
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