Mayo Sports Moment of the Year: Parish pride and golden days for Kilmeena

This year, Kingfishr’s song ‘Killeagh’ broke on the scene and it’s still on the scene. I actually think it'll forever be on the scene as it's just a savage song.

Here is a line or two with altered lyrics, but you will get the jist….

From the woods of Glenbower to the Roscahill shore, from the arms of my mother to the land ever pure, all I have to remember is the pride that I felt, from the Páirc Naoimh Breandáin where the boys never knelt.

They’d go raring and tearing and fighting for love, for the land they call Kilmeena and the lord above, Kilmeena, Kilmeena, Kilmeena, Kilmeena, for the black and the white I adore. For the parish to last ever more. 

For me, it’s a song I will never forget and 2025 is a year I will also never forget.

In December of 2012, myself and the family made the switch from Castlebar to Kilmeena. I was just eleven years of age and to be honest I didn't know much about Kilmeena although it’s the homestead on my father’s side.

A big town to a small village, lots of differences however lots of similarities. One thing that keeps rural Ireland going is the GAA, with the club in Kilmeena doing outstanding work in the last few years, it really is at the heartbeat of everything good in the community. 

GOLDEN MEMORIES

Seeing Kilmeena’s joint-captains Jack Mulchrone and John McGlynn climb the steps in Hastings Insurance Mac Hale Park to lift the Sweeney Cup back in October was a day that will live long in my memory. 

When the full time whistle sounds at the end of a final, players are often left speechless. On Sunday October 19, I found myself in a similar position.

It was an incredible moment, for Kilmeena to bounce back from relegation the previous year and topple all in the toughest battle of all in Mayo.

Anybody who knows Mayo club football would agree that intermediate football is often a lottery and this season was no different. When 16 sides embarked on their journey, not one could be ruled out as the competition in the intermediate grade is so strong.

OPPORTUNITY

Earlier in 2025 while I was studying in college, I was lucky enough to see an opportunity open up when a role in The Mayo News was advertised. I was fortunate enough to join the team and months on I'm still here.

Part of the job is to report on sport, which I am hugely passionate about. For me, the highlight of the year is the club season. When the club championship arrives in the late summer months, it just hits differently.

Coming into this year’s intermediate championship, Kilmeena were somewhat in transition. Team manager John Reilly had stepped away after seven years in charge, numerous players emigrated and retired, injuries occurred.

I felt my local side were in trouble. However, Damien Egan stepped in, an outside manager, somewhat of an unknown perhaps but by god, the Bonniconlon native created a fresh patch of history in October when the black and white defeated Moy Davitts in a thrilling final. 

Working as a reporter at the club games this year was thoroughly enjoyable. One of the highlights for me was when I covered Kilmeena’s second round game with The Neale.

Due to the nature of my work tasks, I missed some of Kilmeena’s games when I was elsewhere. But as I said previously, the club championship is the highlight of the year and being present at other exciting games was an honour and privilege at the same time.

CRACKER

On October 19, the pride of the west met the men from the east in Castlebar. Coming into the game, most agreed that it would be a close encounter considering how well Kilmeena and Moy Davitts had been playing previously.

The game itself was an absolute cracker. Moy Davitts are a serious side full of talent and no doubt their day will come. However on the day, Kilmeena came out on top, narrowly, 0-23 to 1-19, at the end of an amazing game. 

That day, I made my way down from the press box and saw the delight on the faces of so many Kilmeena people.

My uncle Michael made the trip from Dublin for the event, other uncles (Pat and Neil) were stateside visiting family members, although they missed out in the Castlebar air, Mayo GAA TV was there to save the day on their behalf. 

Whilst congratulating team members, I saw my father in the distance. There were tears of joy on his face, people say it’s just a game. It really isn't. Afterwards, there were fabulous celebrations in the parish while that evening people headed for refreshments.

As the night went on, celebration mode was activated and banter was flying. Great times, special times. The night ended in one of the late bars in Westport where a great time was had by all.

PASSION

When Jack Mulchrone and John McGlynn climbed the 32 steps, they both spoke with pride and McGlynn touched on a special moment. He spoke about the team huddle following Kilmeena’s win over The Neale in Cong.

Jack Mulchrone’s father, Pat ( A Kilmeena legend) had spoken to the team with great passion that evening. Earlier that week, Pat’s parents, Jack’s grandparents passed away. Michael and Ann were great Kilmeena people and will never be forgotten.

That evening, Michael Ryder who passed away that week was also remembered. Michael was uncle of Kilmeena midfielder Kevin who had a tremendous season. 

In the days following the final, Jack Mulchrone brought the Sweeney Cup to visit former Kilmeena great Paddy Keane who was hospitalised at the time - special moments, special memories.

Paddy has also since passed away but deep in those glorious moments magic is created. Special times, memorable times, the best times. Kilmeena Abu!