Killarney Legion GAA Club PRO Jimmy Reen pays tribute to underage star Niall McGillicuddy who has passed away
THE past week started on a high note for Legion GAA Club as the under 16s captured the East Kerry Division 2 title in style, against Firies, under lights in Spa. In his eloquent acceptance speech, captain Dion O’Neill, sent best wishes to absent team-mate Niall McGillicuddy on behalf of the panel.
Niall himself was many times the star performer for that under 16 side and it was a testament to just how popular he was that his clubmates remembered him on such an occasion.
As is the norm after winning any trophy, there is a feelgood factor and it lifts the morale of one and all. So when the devastating news came later in the week that Niall had lost his battle with illness, it had an enormous impact on all of us.
Having recently been given some positive news, it was everybody’s hope and wish that, before long, Niall would be back home in the comfort and embrace of his family and, in time, starring on the playing fields once again.
Tragically, it was not to be and we have lost one of our brightest and best.
Niall’s prowess as an exceptional footballer and all-round sportsman was well known by one and all and he was also hugely popular, well-mannered and likeable.
After our Saturday morning academy session for under 10s is over, there is usually a mad dash for refreshments, just as one would expect from children of that age. It is recalled, however, that when Niall was that age, he would remain on the field helping to collect training bollards and other gear. Knowing his parents, Sheila and Daithí, it was easy to see why.
As new Kerry manager Peter Keane gave his first big press briefing, he pointed out the tragic loss of one so young and talented and how it put everything into perspective – a thought that all of us agree with.
It is impossible to find words that would lessen the pain of loss for Sheila, Daithí, Ellen and Jane. All we can do is say that we were privileged to have Niall as a member of our club and we hold him as an example to others.
The Killarney Legion GAA club extends its deepest sympathy to Sheila, Daithí, Ellen, Jane and family on their tragic loss.
Niall’s removal will take place this Monday evening at 6.30pm from O’Shea’s Funeral Home to St Mary’s Cathedral. Requiem Mass will be on Tuesday at 10.30am with burial afterwards in the New Cemetery, Killarney.
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