Rasharkin honour ‘Seniors’ at Manor House function
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Some of the 1958 team with Canon Murphy, and Guardian GAA correspondent Jim Smyth (left).
The achievements of the Rasharkin team of 50 years ago were marked with a special function in the Manor House Kilrea at the weekend.
1958 saw the rise of a very special side when they won not only the Antrim Junior League final but also brought the Junior championship to the village.
They beat St.Galls Belfast,1-7 to 0-1, in winning the league title and Sarsfields, also from the city,0-5 to 0-4, for the championship crown.
These successes marked the beginning of, as is often said, one of the best teams in Antrim never to have won the Senior Football Championship.
They certainly had their chances, getting to the Senior final the next year only to lose out to St.Johns.
Two more finals followed and two further defeats also inflicted by the Corrigan Park side.
They then lost three semi-finals eventually getting one last shot at the title. Once again the story was the same with St.Johns delivering the killer blow.
A splendid turn out, including many of the present side, heard the Ulster Council president Tom Daly sing their praises and the clubs Vice President Canon Murphy do likewise. Also present was former South West Chairman and County Vice President Brian Devlin and the relatives of the five deceased player and two selectors.
A special medal was struck for the occasion with each players name engraved on the back and, with many of the originals no where to be seen, no doubt these will be put in cotton wool.
Presentations were also made to Tom Daly and his wife, Canon Murphy, Brian Devlin and the club chairman Anthony McMullan, who originally set things in motion.
Former member Robert O'Connell presented a club momento which will be displayed in the clubrooms.
Without the hard work of Danny McLernon and Michael Hasson the original idea would have remained that way and all the team members are deeply indebted for everything they have done.
Everyone is now looking forward to the 75th anniversary!
The following received medals: John Hardy (deceased) captain (wife Gemma), Hugh McAuley, Joseph Mc Auley (deceased), (nephew Sean), Alex McAuley, Danny McTaggert, Joe McAuley, Chris Hardy (deceased),( son Liam), Jimmy Crawford, Tony McAleese, John Kelly, Willie Hardy, John Dunlop, Jim Smyth, Seamus Adams (deceased), (wife Rita), John McAuley, John McGarry, Willie McClenaghan, Gerry Dalyrmple (deceased),(daughter Fiona),Noel Dunlop, Paddy Donnelly, John Donnelly, John Hardy junior U.S.A.( cousin Michael).
Team Management: Brian Higgins, Joey Glendenning (deceased), (wife Bridie) and Jamesie McLernon (deceased), (son Brendan ).
