O’Loughlin Gaels held an evening of celebration to mark the achievement of our own Con Moore - on his becoming President of the World Handball Council. It was an evening that will live long in the memory, as Con was joined by both family and friends to honour the occasion.
Eddie Buckley, Chairman O’Loughlin Gaels started proceedings by summarising Con’s sporting life and in particular – his selfless dedication to the sport of handball. Con was born in Moyne village, near Thurles in 1950. Eddie went on to point out that Con was taught in National school by Christy Shortt (father of Pat). Christy passed on a love of music to young Con that would stay with him throughout his life.
Later, Con’s family moved to Urlingford, where he hurled with the Emeralds. However, it was in 1964 that his love for handball would begin to take hold. He helped convert an old alley and by doing so – rejuvenated the ancient game in the Urlingford / Johnstown area. Con had left school now and was foraging for a life of his own, that would lead him to a job working for Smithwicks Brewery in Kilkenny. He put down roots in the Marble city and became known to O’Loughlin Gaels at this time. The first inklings of a man destined for greater things – could be seen in the way he handled an ongoing issue with the ball alley lights. Con made his move and the problem was resolved.
Padraig Leydon became aware of Con’s presence around the club and approached him to become a regular member of the club. The Continent welcomed Con with open arms in 1982 and neither were to look back. He worked tirelessly for the club and was involved in various projects, such as the gym and bar extensions. He also ran County and National handball Championships in our courts while continuing to play himself up to the 1990’s. Among his many honours as a player were: Novice 40 x 20 (1984), Junior 40 x 20 (1988), Novice 60 x 30 (1996), Junior 40 x 20 (1996) and Silver & Masters Doubles 40 x 20 (1998) with Pat Gardiner. He also competed in World Handball Championships in Phoenix (1991), Clare (1994) & Winnipeg (1997).
One of Con’s major achievements in the game of handball would come to fruition in 1999. Fr Willie Hennessy would bless the opening of a brand new state of the art glass-back alley in our club. Con was rightly proud of this achievement but also humble enough to recognise the help of others – Tom Crowe, Sean Tyrrell, Anthony Bergin, Eamon Doyle and John Skehan. His achievements in handball would not stop there. In 1996, he was inaugurated as President of the Irish handball Council. In 2003, he was also responsible for bringing the World Handball Championships to Kilkenny with countries such as USA, Canada, Australia, Wales, England, Japan and Spain taking part. Eddie also cited Con’s ability to nurture talent. He became famous for driving budding ball alley stars such as John Morrissey, Joe Daly and Kirk Green to tournaments in his “Merc”.
The traits that drove Con as a person were numbered by Eddie. He was solid, determined, confident, dignified, trusted, skilled, dedicated and humble. He was also a very good communicator and was adept at understanding the nuanced way of managing a global game across the continents of the world.
Most of all though – Con is a family man. Eddie warmly welcomed Con’s wife Mary along with his extended family – Conor & Sandra, Jennifer & Larry, Monica & Tom, Ronan & Mary along with his sister Nora and brother Ger from Urlingford. Con’s brother Jack and his wife sent their love and best wishes along with a message to say they were very proud of Con’s achievements.
Fantasy Cheltenham
Fantasy Cheltenham is a unique way of indulging your passion for taking a punt along with supporting your local OLG GAA club. Tickets can be purchased for €20. For every ticket bought – O’Loughlin Gaels will receive a contribution of €10. Don’t worry if you’re not a Barney Curley. There are extra prizes this year aimed specifically at OLG entrants who emerge as the club leaders, after the four days of racing: 1st €100, 2nd €50, 3rd €30, 4th 20Tickets can be purchased by simply ringing 087/9647846.
Leinster Colleges A Senior Hurling Final
O’Loughlin Gaels is delighted to be able to say we had no less than eleven players representing both Kilkenny CBS & St Kieran’s College in the Leinster A Senior Colleges Final on Sunday last. Lining out for CBS were: Paddy Deegan, James Lenihan, Gary Bryan, Huw Lawlor, Danny Bolger, Robbie Buckley, Ross Butler, Vinnie Wallace, Jamie Kavanagh and Robbie O’Driscoll. Daniel O’Connor wore the St Kieran’s College hoops on the big day. O’Loughlin Gaels would like to congratulate CBS on their win and commend both teams on what was a tremendous sporting occasion.