GAA club in Kildare organising Croagh Patrick climb in memory of 'favourite son' who passed away
Robertstown GFC raising funds for Brain Tumour Ireland
Robertstown GFC in Kildare are organising a climb up Croagh Patrick to remember former club stalwart Frank Dowling and to raise funds for Brain Tumour Ireland.
Frank of Togher Road, passed away at St. Brigid's Hospice, The Curragh in April last year.
On the March 21, Robertstown GAA Club members will climb Croagh Patrick to commemorate Frank’s legacy and raise funds for Brain Tumour Ireland.
A Gofundme page has also been set up to raise funds.
A Club statement said: "Frank was a fitness fanatic, a powerful athlete, so we think it is fitting to pay tribute by taking on a challenge he would have relished, front and centre ready to go.
"We want to carry this spirit. He will never be replicated, repeated or replaced.
"We want to honour Frank Dowling. Because of him we are all stronger."
"Do you want to join us in making a difference? We're raising money in aid of Brain Tumour Ireland and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us and all of Frank's family and friends.
"On the 7th of April 2024, the sad news spread wide and far of the untimely, and deeply upsetting, passing away of Frank Dowling after a brave battle with a brain tumour. For Anne, Brian, Amy, Kevin, David, Noah, Pippa and Lottie their loss was unimaginable.
"It is truthful to say the news still feels surreal months after Frank has left us.
"Writing at the time, the feeling was that the community, and particularly Robertstown GFC, had lost its favourite son. That feeling is still there. His legacy is entrenched in the spirit of the place, in Maurice Musgrave Park, in the hearts of the young people who pull on a jersey with a Robertstown crest and feel a depth of pride.
"Whether as the colossus of a player he was, a committee member ready to drive the club forward, an underage coach who nurtured and grew the future, a senior mentor imparting passion and wisdom at the same time or simply as that ever present voice and smile, you could be sure to see about the place, Frank Dowling lived and breathed Robertstown GFC. His presence is felt because he gave his life to the club, and that never leaves, that legacy guaranteed, forever."
In a touching tribute at the time of Frank's death, Robertstown GAA Club said that Frank was always there for this club, and that the village would now be there for the Dowling family.
The statement continued: "To try and capture the importance, the impact of a man like Frank Dowling, through words, won’t be possible.
"When his club called, Frank answered. To put it simply, Frank loved Robertstown and Robertstown loved Frank.
"Frank built countless friendships. Tears will be shed in many houses, many villages, workplaces and GAA clubs wide and far. "That was the measure of the man. Countless friendships built.
"As a player Frank was one of the greatest to ever wear the jersey and when his playing days were done, after many decades, he was there on the sideline with that crest sitting just above his heart, right where it belonged."
Frank was a son of the late Jim-Joe and Betty, brother of the late Jim-Joe.
He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Anne, daughter Amy, sons Brian and Kevin, son in law David, grandchildren Noah, Pippa and Lottie, sisters Anne-Marie, Bernadette, Gabrielle and Jacinta, brothers and sisters in law, aunts, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends."