Thomas Davis GAA club hosts match in memory of Jackie

MEMBERS of Thomas Davis GAA Club celebrated the life of club stalwart Jackie Kavanagh by hosting a Gaelic football match at its club grounds on Kiltipper Road on Saturday afternoon.

Jackie, who was from Millbrook Lawns, was well-liked and loved by club members. The match saw a Gaelic 4 Mothers Selection take on a Gaelic 4 Fathers selection, with refreshments afterwards and live ballads

A member of the Gaelic 4 Mothers Team and also a mentor with Thomas Davis current U14 girls football team, Jackie sadly passed away in April 2020 from cancer and the club wanted to properly give her a send-off.

“We wanted to say goodbye properly to Jackie. She passed away last year and it was difficult with Covid restrictions to give her a good send-off,” said club official Mary Giglione.

Jackie Kavanagh

“Jackie was heavily involved with the club – she helped out all the time and was always first to volunteer.

“There was a great turn-out on Saturday. The big turn-out was a reflection on how popular Jackie was. She was loved and respected by everyone at the club.

“Jackie’s family wanted to make it a fun day and it was great to see so many fathers and mothers turn up for the match.”

Jackie’s son Ciaran refereed the game, while her daughter Zoey managed the ladies team and even came on as a substitute to score the winning point in the match. Jackie’s husband Philly played in the match along with some Davis stalwarts like Jimmy Owens, James O’Connor, Paddy Kavanagh and Mick Byrne wearing welly boots, while Christina McGinty, Aideen O’Hara, Ann Marie McArdle, Sandra O’Neill and Mary Giglione played for Gaelic 4 Mothers and were supported by cheer leaders Ali Johnston and Niamh Byrne.

The club also remembered Gaelic 4 Mothers Ali Sharkey from Ellensborough at the match – her son’s Luke and Robert also played the in game.