Tribute to the late Michael Leonard

(penned by a colleague)

 

The flag flew at half-mast at our clubhouse last Friday morning as we laid our esteemed member Michael Leonard of Rakeevan to rest.

 

44 years ago in 1968 Michael along with his lifetime friend Joe Kelly were instrumental in getting Aghabog Emmetts back in competition after a number of years being out of existence due to lack of numbers.

 

While the few good footballers who remained at home played with neighbouring clubs, Michaels headhunting of average players locally resulted in many players fulfilling their dream of playing competitive football.

 

Michael was the No. 1 custodian for those early years, served as secretary of the club in the late 1970’s and was a dab hand at organising card drives for All Ireland tickets in the old AOH hall and later in the Latnamard School Hall.

 

Michael had a great interest in car rallying and played a role in a play which the local dramatic group performed in the early 1970’s. Michael played a character called ‘Boss’, the name which stayed with him for the rest of his life. Michael got great enjoyment out of playing badminton and representing the club in competition in later years in the school hall.

 

Michael also played a very active role in the purchasing and developing of Pairc Emmet in the early 1980’s and was a consistent lotto seller from the mid 1990’s to the present day.

 

With reference to Michael’s headhunting of players earlier, brings to mind a plot in a recent Aghabog novelty act in Senor Scor, which had two footballers at the wake of a local woman who had a great interest in the GAA. They discussed the possibility of whether there would be championship football played in heaven and could the deceased let them know. Suddenly the deceased’s voice could be heard coming from the sky saying she had good news and bad news. Give us the good news first said the 1st player, ‘Yes there is football played in heaven’. What’s the bad news said the other player, to which the voice replied ‘you are listed at corner forward for next Sunday’s game’

 

Listen ‘mate’, if you are organising an Aghabog team up there and are short of members, please don’t call on any of us just yet, as you know we have Ned’s meadow to sort out – just play 11 a side.

 

Our sincere sympathy goes to Michael’s wife Bridie and family, sisters and extended family on their sad loss.

 

 

Lotto Results:

Numbers Drawn 3,6,15,23.

There was no jackpot winner.

€30 Lucky dip Monica & Mickey Leonard c/o A.Leonard.

€15 Lucky dip Laura Murphy c/o D.Murphy.

Patsy McPhillips c/o B.Leonard.

Mary Monaghan c/o A.Mannering.

Mae,Katie&Kate McDermott c/o A.Mannering.

James McMahon c/o J.Connolly.

Patrick Byrne c/o E.Byrne.

Johnny Kelly c/o J.Connolly.

Joey & Phyllis c/o A.Mannering.

Next weeks jackpot is €2,150.

Thank you for your continued support.

 

Results:

JFL: Aghabog 1 – 09 Drumhowan 1-12.

A lacklustre performance away to Drumhowan last Sunday meant we left empty handed. This was a game where we never really got going however the outcome was still in the balance entering the final ten minutes  when a Drumhowan goal killed the game off.

 

Fixtures:

JFL:

Aghabog v Emyvale on Wednesday 25^th April at 7:30pm in Aghabog.

Aghabog v Blackhill on Sunday 29^th April at 2:00pm in Blackhill.
Juveniles:

Course: Speed, Agility & Quickness Course: will take place on Saturday 28th April in Annyalla National School from 10am to 4pm. Cost: € 40. Limited places available so book your place now with Monaghan Sports Partnership on 042-9755126.

 

Congratulations: To Cameron O’ Leary and Tyler O Hanlon who have been selected on to the under 14 county development squad.

 

Notes: If you have anything that you would like to have included in
the club notes, please contact Pauric on 086 1659589 or email
pauric.mcphillips@gmail.com. Deadline for notes is lunchtime on
Tuesday.

 

Ladies Notes:

 

Child protection course:

Takes place in the clubhouse on Tues 1st May at 7pm sharp. Anyone interested please contact Ciara on 0860842653.

 

Sympathy:

The Club would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Leonard family, Rakeevan, on the death of Michael. Michael was a great supporter of the ladies club. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam

Seniors:

Our seniors played Inniskeen on Monday evening. Final score Aghabog 3-08 Inniskeen 2-11. Next game is against Donaghmoyne. Check fixtures for times and dates.

 

U/12:

Training continues on Monday evening at 6.30 sharp.

 

U/14:

Our U/14 team were victorious on Monday evening when they played St. Bridgets. Scoreline 4-17 to 2-06. Training continues on Friday at 6.30 sharp. Next game scheduled for Monday 30th in Aghabog at 6.45 against Magheracloone. All player please be at the field for 6.15

 

U/16:

Our first game of the league takes place next Thursday in Tyholland at 6.45. Management will contact players regarding training times.

County Flag Day takes place this Saturday. Please support.