Mullinahone.net

Kickhams celebrate GAA 125
La na gClub 125 was celebrated in style by the C.J. Kickhams GAA Club in Mullinahone on Sunday last. The celebration began with a special mass in St. Michael’s Church for all the deceased members of the local Club. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. JohnMcGrath who is the President of the Club and also the Parish Priest of Mullinahone. The Mullinahone Club has existed since 1885 and it’s foundation came within a year of the foundation of the GAA in Hayes Hotel, Thurles in 1884. Various units of the local Club paraded into Mass behind the Club banner, the famed “green above the red”. The banner was proudly carried by John Vaughan and Tony Nolan two stalwarts of the local Club whose connection goes back well over fifty years. They were followed into the Church by a large group of older members including among others Paddy O’Brien, Tom Crotty, Micky McGrath, Jim Gardiner, Mick Larkin and Frank Kelly who journeyed out from Clonmel for the event.

The next group contained the officers of the Club and the Association both past and
present. This group was joined by the members of those who lined out in and around 1973. The juvenile teams were in the Club colours paraded too. These included boys and girls from six to sixteen. The parade also included supporters and was brought up by under 21 players who won a County double last year and senior players who brought the Club to glory in 2002. The readers at the Mass were the P.R.O.’s of the Senior and Juvenile Clubs Teresa Dunne and Jackie Bolger. Prayers of the Faithful were recited by representatives of the Club: Liam O’Brien, Sean O’Meara, Noreen Reilly, Kathleen McNamara and Shauna Kennedy.

Among the offertory gifts presented were a sliothar bearing best wishes from the new President of the Association
Christy Cooney, a football and history of the Association in South Tipperary, which of course, also contains the history of the Mullinahone Club. Those who presented the gifts were John Croke, Chairman of the Club, Johnny Kennedy Chairman of the Juvenile Club, James Cahill N.T. who represented the contribution of the local schools to the GAA over the years. In the offertory procession also was Rachael Buckley whose grandfather Tom Lanigan’s Anniversary Mass was also taking place. After Mass the teams paraded back to the local sportsfield where a plaque was unveiled tracing the history of Mullinahone GAA in five 25 year segments.

The plaque was unveiled by the Chairman of South Tipperary GAA local man Dick Egan. Dick is the first Mullinahone Clubman ever to hold this office. Refreshments were served by a superb ladies committee and exhibition games were played by the younger underage players. The standard of skill displayed showed that Mullinahone still has a bright future in gaelic games. The whole tone of the day was set by Senior Hurling Captain and County Player Paul Curran who read a reflection “The Hurlers
 Prayer” after Mass.

Speaking at the unveiling, Club Chairman John Croke, spoke of how the day brought out the widespread appeal of the GAA in the Parish. Standing in the magnificent new Sports Hall, he praised the contribution of those who had the hall built. La na gClub which showed that the Mullinahone Club belonged to the whole parish was organised on behalf of the Club by Jackie Bolger P.R.O. Muileann na h-Uamhan Abu or in the words of the old ballad "Go on the Reds"

First Communion

First Confessions took place in St. Michael's Church on Friday night last May 8th. Now the way is clear for First Communion Saturday which will take place on Saturday week May 23rd. A special First Communion Mass will take place at 11am. All are welcome.

Parish News
Congratulations and best wishes to Declan Lawless, Kylothea and Claire Moloney of Fethard who were married recently. The Rosary will be said at the grotto each week evening Monday to Friday during the month of May. Rosary will begin at 7.15pm and all are welcome.

Anniversary masses next weekend

Saturday May 16th 8pm Anniversary Ellen Hickey, nee Tobin Carrick Street
Sunday May 17th11.30am Anniversary Patrick Luttrell, Knockulty

Community Games
Mullinahone Community Games will hold their Parish track and field finals in the local soccer field on Wednesday May 20th at 7pm. There will be events for boys and girls at under 8, 10, 12, 14, and U. 16 level. Those taking part must be under the age on July 31st 2009. They must be residing within the boundaries of the parish. For example, a girl born on June 1st 1999, would not be eligible for under 10 and would have to compete at under 12 while a child born on August 1st 1999 could compete at Under 10 level. Already at Community games, our hurlers had a fine win over Golden. Well done. Remember, track and field finals on Wednesday evening next May 20th at 7pm.

Ladies Football
Mullinahones under 12 ladies footballers played Ballyporeen recently. They played very well and drew the game 1 - 2 each. Mullinahone lined out: Alison Crowe, Allie Brett, Kilsey Mulhall, Joelle O'Mahoney, Grainne Horan, Nicole Shelly, Grace Foley, Caoimhe O'Shea, Valentina Cavanagh, Karen Mackey, Jane Walker, Gemma Dunne, Vivienne Noonan, Aoibhe O'Shea, Chloe Gahan, Shauna Kennedy, Kate White, Vika Lacey, Leah Foxe, Alice Browning. Well done girls.

Great news also concerning our under 16 girls who were championship winners over Killenaule during the week. A full account next week we hope.

Community Playgroup
Mullinahone Community Playgroup are now taking enrolments for September 2009. To ensure a place for your child, please call into the Playgroup behind the Knocknagow Community Centre, Carrick Road between 9.15am and 1.15pm before June 1st 2009. Alternatively, you can phone 052 53622 during the above hours. Thanks to all and we look forward to meeting you.