**Shauna Melican, Sharon McMahon, Martin Daly and Martin Casey at the plaque unveiled in memory of the late Michael Melican, David McMahon and Brian Casey. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.
Five people who have made major contributions to Lissycasey GAA were honoured at a special commemorative function at the club grounds on Sunday.
The pitch was re-named Páirc na Muintire (People’s Park), dedicated to the memory of the club’s first secretary, the late P.J. Kelly.
A member of Clare County Council for 50 years, P.J. was a leading light in the purchase and development of the pitch, filling the position of the club’s development committee chairman.
Speaking in Irish and English, former Clare TD and ex Minister for Defence Tony Killeen (FF), spoke about P.J.’s contribution to the club and to the community in general before unveiling a plaque in P.J.’s memory. Mr. Killeen was joined by P.J.’s son, Barry John in officially naming the field, Páirc na Muintire.
The late Gearoid O’Sullivan, club chairman for sixteen consecutive years from 1981 to the end of 1996 was also honoured and the stand at the club grounds was named in his honour.
Seamus Hayes who served as club secretary for much of the late Mr. O’Sullivan’s term as chairman outlined the progress made by the club under the chairman’s leadership. Paudie Halpin who assisted Gearoid in the training of many of the successful underage teams also recalled the late Mr. O’Sullivan’s contsribution to the club. Paudie along with Mr O’Sullivan’s wife Geraldine then unveiled a plaque to Gearoid O’Sullivan’s memory.
Three members of the senior team which won the O’Gorman cup (2006), and the senior championship and league double in 2007 were also honoured.
Martin Daly, a team mate of the late David McMahon, Brian Casey and Michael Melican, recalled their contribution to those successes and to the club in general.
He was joined by David’s sister Sharon, Brian’s father Martin and Michael’s daughter Shauna to unveil a plaque to their memory.
PJ Kelly’s son, Barry John thanked the club for the tribute and shared some memories of the contributions of all being honoured.
Parish priest Fr Brendan Kyne then blessed the plaques which had just being unveiled
At the outset club chairman Eamonn Finnucane welcomed the big attendance with a special welcome for members of the families of those being honoured and he spoke of the importance of recognising their contributions.
The formalities concluded with club secretary Maureen O’Haire thanking all who attended.
