It was Friday morning at around 7.45 when I got the call. It was around 7.46
when it sunk in that this was the end of an extraordinary era. Frankie O'Flynn
died at
Glorious in so many ways. Frankie was without equal in his humility, his
gentleness and his love of
The deep sense of loss that we all felt was the overriding emotion of the day,
but while we had lost a great friend, Violet had lost a husband, his 8 children
had lost a father and his grandchildren lost a granddad, but I know their sense
of loss was cushioned by the enormity of the goodwill and condolences received
from the length and breadth of the country.
Frankie's time had come, and although we will continue to mourn his passing for
some time, we will never forget his contribution to Shannon Rugby Club.
The traditional postponement of games was obviously offered to Frankie's
family, but that notion was rejected on the grounds that Frankie was a rugby man,
and what better way to pay tribute, than to play the game that he loved so
much.
Laid out in his Club blazer, Frankie was as dignified in death as he was in
life. The queues outside
As it was in his life, ‘There is an Isle’ played a big role in his funeral.
Three poignant renditions marked the occasion, beginning with The St Mary’s
choir whose performance left not a dry eye in the church. At the Funeral mass
his long time friend Olive O'Brien was magnificent throughout the ceremony and
as Frankie's sons carried the coffin down the church aisle, her beautiful voice
accompanied the procession. Perhaps the most moving of all came at the
graveside when Vinny Ryan led the congregation in what was Frankie's last post.
It was a highly emotional occasion, but it was also a beautiful way to remember
the man we loved so much.
The Clubhouse that Frankie helped build hosted the gathering after the burial
and as the day went on, the sadness turned to pride in what Frankie had
achieved in his 77 years. There was no better way to celebrate his life than in
the pursuit he will be mostly remembered for; singing. I have no doubt in my
mind that Frankie would have approved as his great friends Bobby Keane and Martin
Clancy lead the gathering. His family, his friends, his colleagues and even old
adversaries celebrated his life with some wonderful songs and stories. As the
age old saying goes, he got a great send off, befitting a man that we in
A minutes silence was held before all our games last weekend and we had a mixed
bag of results. With the resumption of the AIB league this weekend our Seniors
went to Annacotty to play UL/Bohs in a challenge. Trailing by 19-0 at the half
time break a much better performance in the second half saw them eventually lose
by 24-19, but what was needed more than the result was a tough game and that is
what they got. Three weeks of continuous league action could define the course
of our campaign, however they are three difficult games. Starting with UCD in
Coonagh this Saturday and continuing with Clontarf in
The seconds were narrowly beaten by Young Munster while the U/20's came from
behind to beat the same opposition by 12-9.
Both sides are in action against Garryowen this weekend with the 20's playing
prior to the seniors in Coonagh at
The ladies recorded somewhat of an unexpected win over table toppers Kinsale in
the league which will surely give them a great boost for the season. Hopefully
they can maintain their confidence when they travel to Nenagh this Sunday.
It was quite for our underage section, but this Sunday sees a number of games
taking place. The U/18's host Castleisland in a friendly, while the U/16's are
away to
The U/12's host a blitz and the U/13 Blues are at home to Young Munster with
the Blacks away to Thomond.
The annual mass for deceased members will have an added significance this
Friday evening in the clubhouse. All are welcome to attend the mass at
Andrew McNamara
PRO