1994 Reunion night for Kildare GAA club proves hugely successful

A and B intermediate championship draws huge attendance

Reporter:

Rose B O'Donoghue

22 Oct 2019

Email:

editor@kildarepost.com

Members of the 1994 A and B intermediate winning teams from Ballymore Eustace at last week's reunion celebrations in Paddy Murphy's
Brendan Clarke, Mick Horan, Jim Clarke and Noel Winder
Jarlath, Eugene, Alan and Michael Gilroy (Vincent was also a player in 1994)
A big hug from GAA author and member of the 1994 Intermediate teams, Henry Murphy for captains Patrick Doyle and Paul Murphy
Sponsor Pat Murphy of BME GFC 1994 teams with his brother Paul, Captain BME A Intermediate team
Eugene Gilroy and Jim Clarke
1994 Captains Patrick Doyle and Paul Murphy
Watching the video again, original copy compiled by Christy Dennison of the 1994 A and B intermediate championship finals
Watching the video of the 1994 wins, as compiled by Christy Dennison, with MC Michael Lawlor.
Sponsor John Kelly (formerly the Anvil Bar/Lounge) with Jim Clarke
MC Michael Lawlor who originally did the interviews in 1994, talking to captains Paul Murphy and Patrick Doyle
1994 Manager A team, Mick Moore with Eugene Gilroy
BME GFC Chair Natasha Graham with Paul Murphy
Jenny and Pauline Mahon with Lorraine Fisher enjoying the celebrations
Peter Barrett, member of the organising committee addressing the packed attendance in Paddy's
Proud mother, Marie Murphy with brothers Henry and Frank Murphy
Rose B O'Donoghue with Jim Clarke
Tim Gorman, Chair BME GFC in 1994 with Henry Murphy

Photos Stephen Murphy

Whilst the Moorefield v Sarsfields was the main GAA interest of the weekend, for one rural club, the focus was on a special reunion event.

In Ballymore Eustace, an organising committee from the local club's A and B championship winning teams in 1994, hosted a night of festivities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the club's historic double.

Frank Murphy, Chair of the organising committee, acknowledged so many including Mick Moore manager of the A team, who was present with his wife Anne; remembered fondly was the late Pat Browne, manager of the B team, along with the late Jimmy McLoughlin and team player Ger Mahon. Julie Winder was lauded her work and support in the run up to the event, all 40 players and associated committee members and management proudly wearing special ties supplied by Julie.

Natasha Graham, Chair GFC made some presentations on the night with team captains from 1994 Paul Murphy and Patrick Doyle being interviewed by Michael Lawlor. It was Micheal who interviewed players before and after the 1994 wins, for a video compiled by Chris Dennison. The video has stood the test of time with match coverage by the late Eamon Fitszimons (RIP) from Ellistown. Transferred onto a CD, each player received a commemorative DVD and tie on the night. The games were shown on the night in Paddy Murphy's and to many, it seemed like the first time they were viewed as players and supporters roared at the screen, willing the players on as if it were live coverage!

Great to see Andrew and Sharon Dooley home from the Isle of Man, and on the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary; Tommy Murphy up from Galway and John Sweeney who traveled from Sligo. Caroline and Pat Gallagher were also celebrating their 24th anniversary on Saturday. So many stalwarts of the GAA club present, including Jim Clarke and Eugene Gilroy, former committees and management.

A very inclusive night was planned with traditional Irish dancing from local award winning dancers from the Landers School of Dance and Watson's Twin Academy, along with finger food being served early. A raffle was hosted at the end of the night (full list of acknowledgements and winners will be published in local press).

A night charged with emotion, sporting memories and friendships endorsed. Ballymore Eustace 1994 Reunion Celebration night at Paddy Murphy's last Saturday night.