Killarney stood in silent tribute to a local basketball legend before spontaneous applause filled the local sports and leisure centre in memory of the late Caoimhin O’Donoghue at the weekend.
The larger than life basketball stalwart, who passed away so prematurely last May, was warmly and poignantly remembered at Scott’s Lakers first home game of the season against Tipp Talons – and the first game since his sad passing.
Caoimhin was a long-time player, coach, officer and, in latter years, supporter of the club he held close to his heart and his enormous contribution to the sport he loved will never be forgotten in the town.
In front are mascots Patrick O’Connor and Tim O’Donoghue.
Picture: Eamonn Keogh
There was widespread shock in May when the very popular 49-year-old Ardshanavooly man passed away in University Hospital Kerry following a brief illness.
The outpouring of grief, glowing online tributes and fond memories expressed following his passing included several from his former team-mates and club colleagues with St Paul’s Basketball Club and Dr Crokes GAA Clubs which were both closely associated with the man affectionately known as Shaq which was linked to physical comparisons to American basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal.
A 24-second silence and then prolonged applause was observed prior to the tip-off last weekend for a man who would have one of the first through the door supporting the home team.
Fittingly, Lakers registered their first home win of the season with a n 80-76 victory over the visitors – just as Shaq would have wanted it.
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