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GAA

26th Jan 2017

Kerry GAA volunteer’s emotional farewell letter will reignite your love for hurling

This is what the GAA is all about

Patrick McCarry

We need more men like Maurice Leahy out there.

End of year reports are, very often, an opportunity for the diligent servant to have his or her say. Their five minutes of fame.

Each year, stories and social media comment is raised by the heartfelt, impassioned, controversial [etc.] views of county board and club secretaries and anyone else that can get their hands on a keyboard.

Maurice Leahy’s final report to the North Kerry Hurling Board is a pure, emotional joy to behold. This is what a love for the game looks like.

After 28 years as Games Development Administrator, the Causeway Hurling man is stepping away. He fondly recalls winning a hurling medal in North Kerry back in 1963 and, 54 years later, still cherishes that medal. He writes:

‘Like everybody else in Kerry hurling, I have had good times and bad times but hurling is so important in the lives of the people in this area of Kerry that we must never let it die.’

The full report is well worth a read but Leahy’s closing statement will resonate with everyone that loves Gaelic Games and pours themselves into ensuring it thrives. He concludes:

‘To my wife and family, thanks for your patience and I’m sorry that most of our Sunday spins always seem to end up at a match.

‘Finally, I am only retiring from my job and fully intend to enjoy being involved in hurling until that final whistle goes for me.’

Fair play Maurice and we love that ‘P.S’.

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