*The late Frank Sheedy pictured with his grand-children, Jack and Blathnaid.
This weekend, St Breckans GAA club will honour the memory of club great Frank Sheedy with a Memorial U14 football Tournament.
Many of the present players at this age group will have never met or known Frank but within the walls of the St. Breckans club, his name is still spoken of with pride and respect.
Frank was known all over the County for his tough playing style. He played with the old Lisdoonvarna team throughout the 1940s, 50s and 60s, he played with Doolin when there was no team in the Spa.
A former teammate of his, Michael McGrath recalled, “You, always felt protected when Frank was on the field”. He was not known as a dirty player but he did not shy away from confrontation, traits that have been evident in the performances of his grandson Jack with the current senior side managed by Donie Garrihy.
When St Breckans was formed in 1971, combining the Lisdoon and Doolin teams, Frank was immediately involved. He served as a selector on many teams and was Club President for nearly two decades.
From U12 to senior, Frank was a constant supporter of the North Clare side, he followed the local secondary school side with Pat Harrington and was ever-present at the sports complex. Frank passed away on December 2nd 2015 but his memory will not be forgotten by St Breckans members.
The U.14 Tournament scheduled for this weekend in his memory is a fitting tribute to a man that loved the young football teams in his club. The trophies and medals are sponsored by Frank’s sons, John, Frankie and Damien.
Michael Howley is the event co-ordinator with Ennistymon, Doonbeg, St Josephs Miltown, Kilmurry Ibrickane, Clann Lír and St Breckans the teams competing in the tournament. Group stages will be played on Saturday 16th with the Plate Final on Sunday at 10am followed by the Shield Final.
At 12.30pm on Sunday, the club will unveil the dedication of the Stand to Frank Sheedy with a blessing from parish priest, Fr Rob McNamara. This will be followed by the Frank Sheedy Memorial Cup Final. The newly extended Sports Complex will also be blessed by Fr McNamara and will be open for refreshments.
