16/04/12

Post date: Apr 24, 2012 2:6:44 PM

Sympathies.

In the past week Knockavilla/Donaskeigh Kickhams GAA club lost two of its greatest sons, with the passing of John Joe Mc Cormack and Donal O’Brien. Both these men wore the Black and Amber of the

Kickhams and the Blue and Gold of Tipperary with pride. John Joe of Derby Terrace St Michaels Street Tipperary and formerly of Lisheen Tipperary passed away on the 6th of April after a long

illness borne with dignity and fortitude. In his youth John Joe was an integral part of the golden era of the Kickhams club, when winning west titles was an almost annual event. John Joe won

eleven west senior hurling medals as well as Crosco cup and minor hurling medals. He also lined out at Full Back with another fellow Kickham stalwart, the late John Farrell of Grantstown playing

at mid field on the All Ireland winning Tipperary minor hurling team of 1947 which had a great victory over Galway . John Joe, Breda and family lived for a number of years on Main Street Dundrum

where Breda operated a hairdresser’s and some of the older children went to Bishopswood School (now Woodlands Nursing Home) With John Joes business interests in Tipperary town it was natural that

the family would move there. However he still kept up his interest in the club and would always ask about how the Kickhams were doing. As a mark of respect to John Joe and the Mc Cormack family

the club provided a guard of honour as he was brought to his final resting place at St Michaels Cemetery Tipperary Town. The Mc Cormack name is synonymous with the history of the Kickham club and the family name is still represented on club teams right up to the present day, We extend our deepest condolences to his devoted wife Breda and family on their sad loss, we also offer our

sympathies to the extended Mc Cormack family, neighbours and friends on his passing. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

As we waited in the soft April mist for the arrival of John Joes remains at St Michaels Cemetery the news began filtering through of the sudden death in England of Donal O’ Brien formerly of

Lisloran, another Gael that was held in very high regard within the GAA community. Donal resided in the USA since 1963 and had been in England visiting his brother Jimmy when he died suddenly.

The news of his death sent shock waves through the Kickham folk and stories of his heroics between the posts for the club and County were recounted for those who had not been lucky enough to have

witnessed them. Donal grew up watching the likes of John Joe and all the great hurling men of those Kickhams teams dominate the West. Goalkeeping was his skill , but when his time came to play for the club little did any one think that those glorious successful club days were going to come to an abrupt end, He won two west senior medals in 1959 and 1960.However the Kickham club would not again claim a West Senior Hurling title until 1997. Donals talent did not go unnoticed and he was selected for county duty where he went on play a starring role between the posts for the Tipperary Senior hurlers as they won back to back All Irelands in 1961 and 1962, beating Wexford and Dublin in the finals. He then emigrated to the US , but made many visits over the years across the Atlantic to visit family and friends. We offer our condolences to his heartbroken wife Frances and family and the extended O’Brien Family on their sad loss. When Donal’s Funeral takes place in the US later this week, his coffin will be draped with the flag and the Goalkeepers jersey of his beloved Knocakavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams Club. As I write this I have just learnt of the passing in England of Donal’s brother Jimmy after a long

illness bravely borne, we extend our sympathies to his loving wife Patricia and family at this sad time, May Donal and Jimmy rest in peace.

Junior (A) Hurling.

Our Juniors had a good win over Lattin Cullen in Sean Treacy Park on Saturday evening last on the score 3-15 to 0-9, see match report.

Minor (B) Football.

Our Minors play Clonoulty Rossmore in Dundrum on this Wednesday night @ 7pm, your support would be appreciated.