Kathleen finally get her hands on precious medal?

Kathleen finally get her hands on precious medal


Michael Commins

IT took 59 years to receive her county medal but publican Kathleen McGrath from Kiltimagh was more than happy to join former colleagues for one mighty celebration night down in Laois.
Way back in 1951 (the last year Mayo won Sam Maguire!), a young Kathleen O’Connell was a member of The Heath team that won the Laois senior camogie title. But they never got their medals on that far off day. Memories of their win surfaced every now and again when colleagues met on and off over the years but it was only in recent months that some members in Laois decided it was long past time to honour the girls of ‘51.
The end result was a lovely reunion night in the Gandon Inn Hotel (Treacy’s) where the eleven surviving members were at last presented with their medals. It was a night full of nostalgia and memories and a wonderful occasion in the heart of the midlands.
“It was great to meet so many of the girls again. They had a great welcome for me and all my gang. I probably had not enjoyed a better day in my home county since I left it all those years ago. Even our manager, Jackie Keyes, who is now in his mid-80s, was there too. Within a few hours, I was one of the locals again. It was emotional and proved again that we always retain a special bond for the place where we were born,” said Kathleen.
Kathleen was joined on the night by her daughters Bernie and Maria and their husbands John Finn and Gerard Keegan from Kiltimagh, her friend of 30 years and more… Catherine Nally from Knock … as well as by Tom Walsh, Sally Brennan and others. Her brother, Eamon Connell, who resides in the homeplace near The Heath, was also there. In all, Kathleen had a contingent of 36 lending her support.
“This was truly one special night in my life,” says Kathleen. “All who travelled from Kiltimagh were overwhelmed by the warmth of the Laois welcome. And I now have my county medal after all the years!”