On Thursday evening last a very large crowd gathered at the Clubhouse in Shanbally to remember Kieran Hegarty R.I.P.
On May 3rd 2011 Kieran died suddenly after training, leaving his family and Club colleagues in shock and dismay. To mark the first anniversary of his death a Memorial Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Pat O’Donovan C.C. on the Club’s premises.
The large attendance included his mother Mary, sisters Sinead and Susan, his girlfriend Rose, his Aunt Jennie, his Uncle Jim and extended family.
The Shamrock Club was led by its Chairman, Pat McCarthy, along with his Officers and the huge number of players who had played with and befriended Kieran since he joined the Club as a youngster. The Mass was a very simple and moving cermony.
Liam Shanahan, former Chairman of the Club did the first reading. Prayers of the faithful were read by Dave O’Neill, Bernard Hickey, Finbarr O’Flaherty and Patrick Andrews. Fr. Pat delivered a very timely and moving homily. The final reflection was given by John Collins, a former Club Chairman and the delivery and rendition of his piece was truly very fitting for the occasion.
Immediately after the Mass a memorial plaque to Kieran was unveiled by his mother Mary. This simple tribute will be a lasting memorial to a true and sporting Shamrock.
The Chairman, in his address, welcomed Kierans family and the large gathering. He spoke in glowing terms of Kieran and his great loyalty and dedication to this Club since he first started as a young boy. Kieran loved playing our National games and once he was involved he was happy. He never sought the limelight but rather relished and enjoyed a simple role. He loved the games and he was a faithful follower of the Cork Hurling & Football teams. Kieran did a lot of good work with the under age teams, helping with the training and coaching. Pat added, that the Club will be organising an Under Age Summer camp in July and the camp will be known as ‘CAMP CIARAN’.
The Chairman concluded by thanking everybody who helped with the organisation of the cermonies. Again he thanked Fr. Pat, Patricia Howard and Ina Beale who helped with the preparation of the altar and the Mass cermony.
Afterwards the attendance were treated to refreshments upstairs. When all was said and done, the wash up was left to Pat McCarthy, Pat O’Neill, John Hanley and John Jordan – well done lads!
Memorial to Kieran Hegarty RIP
