Kilkenny soccer club founders to join together for reunion this weekend!

A historic reunion of the people who formed a soccer club in Killamery over 50 years ago will be held in the Auld House this Saturday.

Way back then, the pitch had to be cleared of noxious weeds before a ball could be kicked and that’s how the club got to be named Ragwort United. The team consisting of players from Windgap, Mullinahone and the surrounding areas entered the Kilkenny and District League and began a remarkable journey which saw them crowned Club of the Year in just their second season. Joe and Liam O’Shea, Pat Hayes, Kevin Cronin, Martin Cuddihy and Christy Whelan were among the many locals who played in those early days.

Later teams included Eamon Murray, Seamus Cahill, Michael and Francis Frisby. Ragwort played in the league for four seasons and left an indelible mark on the memory of players and supporters alike. Killamery remained the hub for the game when a new club St Michael’s kicked off the 1977-78 season in a field affectionately known as 'The Bog'. Crowds flocked to the games in those days as the team gained promotion and became the first team from the third division to reach the McCalmont Cup semi-final. The games were played in the era of no dressing rooms, showers or fancy gear bags when no-one knew the difference and togged out under whatever ditch or tree that gave the most shelter.

The club’s first field on the main road was owned by Val Murray and the second one (The Bog) was down the Mullinahone Road and was owned by Mick Frisby. Photographs, team lists, newspaper reports of matches won, lost, could have won, nearly won and should have been won have been gathered ahead of the event and will be on display on the night and if anyone has old photos or information the organisers will be glad to get them. Players from every era are invited to attend what promises to be a unique and memorable event, there is no entry fee and all are welcome.