THE TEAM OF 1994 - A FINAL GATHERING

'The Final Gathering' for 1994 Football Team & 2012 Dublin Minor Champions –  

'Pumping up the Tyres' !

A celebration to mark the journey of the 1994 Football Team and 2012 Dublin Minor Champions was held in the Function room on Saturday 18th January 2014.  Players, mentors and parents enjoyed a night full of memorable photos and stories.  Many fond memories were recounted and reminisced upon from early nursery days in 1998, through to winning All Ireland Feile in 2008 and Dublin Minor Championship in 2012 (and all other underage Dublin Championships in the meantime!).

Aidan Horan kicked off proceedings in his usual laid back 'Offaly-esque' style, by welcoming all and advising everyone that the evening was an opportunity for them to 'pump up their tyres' and celebrate the wonderful years these footballers, together with their families and management, have enjoyed.  Club chairman, Kevin Foley complimented the lads and mentors on their commitment, dedication and achievements and urged them to keep football in their future plans.  The team manager, Michael McNicholas, took us on a trip down memory lane and recounted many long forgotten stories from the earlier days which elicited many moments of humour.  Michael acknowledged the fantastic support he had received from a number of people and thanked all the mentors and coaches that supported the team over the years; Brendan Linehan, Pat Cunningham, Tommy Lyons, Robbie Kelleher, John Costello, Mick Leahy and Paraic McDonald.

 A number of presentations also took place; 2012 Dublin Minor Championship medals were presented by Robbie Kelleher and Tommy Lyons.  Brendan Linehan presented each member of the 1994 Football Team with a photographic memento.  Also, Club representatives on 2012 Dublin County teams were recognised by Kevin Foley who presented each of the 4 footballers on the victorious All Ireland minor team - Ross Mac Gowan, David Campbell, Shane Cunningham and Conor Ferris - with a Club award.  Peter Walsh presented to the 4 hurlers - Oisin O'Rourke, Robert Murphy, Caolan Conway and Cian Mac Gabhann who participated in 2 All Ireland finals.  Michael McNicholas then paid tribute to the late Tom Murphy, a much loved parent, supporter and friend to the team and presented Katrina Murphy with an inscribed token of remembrance from the team. 

The 2012 minor captain and vice-captain, KJ Mc Gowan and James Murphy, made the final speech and presentations of the evening.  KJ, on behalf of the team, expressed thanks to all the managers for their hard work and said he believed that the friendships formed over the years would last forever.  James then presented Michael with a framed jersey signed by all 28 players to thank him for his years of dedication.  A book of photographic memories chronicling the journey from 'Nursery' through All'“Ireland Féile to Dublin Championship success in 2012 was also presented to all mentors.

 We look forward to the next phase.   

Click on the photo below to see more pictures from the night.

January 20, 2014

Click HERE  if you wish to order your own copy of the book of photographs that was presented to the coaches / managers on Saturday night.