ext Saturday evening January 21st promises to be a nostalgic evening in Knockaderry as the surviving members of the club’s county under 16 hurling winning team of 1961 will be honoured at a function. The golden jubilee reunion and function take place at the local Halla Beag, and will get underway around 9.30 p.m. No doubt memories and reminiscences of that milestone year in the annals of Knockaderry G.A.A. will be revived, replayed and relived.
Knockaderry started training early that year in Danaher’s field in Lisiniska, under trainer Paddy Hennessy. They swept all before them in the west and beat Feohanagh in the west final on a scoreline of 3-2 to 1-1. The west champions beat Glenroe in the county semi final and qualified to meet Claughaun in the county final. Played as a curtain raiser to the county senior final in the Gaelic Grounds both teams played out an exciting draw on a scoreline of Knockaderry 2-3 Claughaun 3-0. Two weeks later the teams took to the field in Bruree and after an exciting hours hurling Knockaderry won by 4-3 to 2-3. A lot more will be discussed on Saturday night and after 50 years a lot of friendships will be recalled.
Sadly four of the Knockaderry players have gone to their eternal reward, Jim Hennessy, Ger Hennessy, Tom Frawley and Willie Quaid R.I.P. All the rest of the panel have indicated they will be in attendance. Jas and Paudie Meehan, Jack, John and Paddy Hennessy, Seán Walsh, Moss Meehan, John Collum, John Mackessy, Paudie Dowling, Con Danaher, Ger Butler, Pat Moran and Paddy Corkery (captain).
A great night out is assured and everybody is welcome.