Inaugural Poc Fada at Limerick GAA club to keep Dylan's 'memory alive'
“HE WAS a great member of the club and we want to keep his memory alive.”
Those are the words of Kilmallock GAA chairperson Steven Connery following the announcement of the inaugural Dylan McCarthy Memorial Poc Fada.
Dylan, from Kilmallock, tragically passed away on August 22, this year following an assault in Monasterevin, County Kildare.
Dylan was a proud Kilmallock man who was a big member and player of his local club.
Kilmallock GAA has been running the local Poc Fada (Long Puck) for many years but the event now has new meaning.
“This year we thought it fitting to honour Dylan’s memory,” Steven said.
“It’s as simple as that, there was nothing complicated about it.
“In any rural club or community when you lose someone of such closeness, they are going to be missed. This is our way of honouring him,” Steven mentioned.
The inaugural Dylan McCarthy Poc Fada will see its proceeds going toward Scoil Mocheallóg, Kilmallock National School.
In a Poc Fada, a competitor must puck a sliotar with a hurl over a lengthy course. The first to finish the course is crowned the champion.
It will take place on St Stephen’s Day, December 26 at 9.30am outside Scoil Mocheallóg and will follow a course up the Green Road before ending at Fitzgerald’s Park in Kilmallock.
The Kilmallock route is about 4km long.
“We asked the family if they would like us to do it and they had no problem, they were delighted,” Steven said.
“All the funds raised are going back into the school for the promotion of Gaelic games so it will be a good thing that way as well.
“It’s a fun day out and it’s a family day out. It’s great to be able to get out on a St Stephen’s Day morning for the occasion,” Steven added.