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We will miss the Long Lad
WHEN the GAA celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1984 a target was set for every club to own their own grounds.
Today, the GAA boasts some of the finest facilities around the country. The pristine condition of those grounds is mainly down to dedicated individuals who take great pride in their work.
Conahy Shamrocks had one of the best grounds men around in John Butler. John tended and manicured the Polo Grounds in Jenkinstown for a quarter of a century.
He took great pride in his work and would quickly remonstrate with anyone not paying due respect to the hallowed sod. John was a familiar figure around the roads of Jenkinstown as he ambled from his home in Ballyrafton to the Polo Grounds on a regular basis.
Along the way he stopped and chatted with everyone he met. Rolling down the car window for a chat with John as he walked down the Tower Road is a memory I will cherish.
Naturally hurling and the fortunes of Conahy Shamrocks and Kilkenny dominated those discussions.
John played in goal for a period with Conahy Shamrocks also. My abiding memory of John was his ability to grab the sliotar out of the air. Maybe it was his work as a skilled craftsman, but I honestly think he would have stopped a sniper's bullet with those same hands.
Sadly John left us last weekend at an all too young age of 66. His life was low-key, but his departure was dignified and respectful for a man whose volunteering efforts were deeply appreciated.
Conahy Shamrocks was so much a part of his life. The members came out in force at his funeral in acknowledgement of his loyalty to the club. The term unsung hero sits well with John Butler.
It was appropriate that Jenkinstown newest resident, singer and song-writer Jimmy McCarthy, should sing his own composition 'No Frontiers' at John's funeral.
We will miss 'The Long Lad' as he was affectionately known around the Polo Grounds. Sln abhaile a shean cara.
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Weather for Kilkenny
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South
