Friends Not Forgotten: Charity the winner as Kilkenny club hosts tournament in memory of treasured friend

There was plenty of festive fun and money raised for a good cause as a Kilkenny community lined out for a soccer tournament in memory of a much-loved friend and colleague over the Christmas break.

Clonard Park was a hive of activity as Kilkenny & District League club River Rangers hosted their first Shane Murphy Memorial Tournament on St Stephen’s Day.

Friends Not Forgotten is the motto of River Rangers. Those words carried a strong sentiment as the club and community came together to pay tribute to a stalwart of the local game.

The tournament was held in memory of the Rangers club chairman, who fell ill during a charity soccer match and passed away in August 2024.

More than 80 players lined out at Clonard Park for the seven-a-side tournament. The teams were cheered on by great support on the sidelines, with all enjoying refreshments and a catch-up as the action unfolded.

On the field there was drama right to the finish, with the team of James Murphy, Matty Holohan, David Walton, Micheal Hoyne, Willie O’Neill, Tommy Manogue, Podge Dunphy and Tom Brennan taking the spoils when beating the team of Billy O’Neill, Eddie Dunphy, Shane Bergin, Darragh Bergin, Timmy McCarthy, Vinny Dunne, Tommy Ronan and Davy Hoyne 4-2 on penalties.

The real winner on the day, however, was the Ollie Brennan fundraiser, which was nominated by Shane’s wife Maeve as the recipient of the proceeds from the day.

Secretary of the Kilkenny branch of the Irish Soccer Referees Society Paddy Murphy made the presentation to Darragh Murphy, brother of the late Shane Murphy, on behalf of the Ollie Brennan fundraiser.

"What a morning we had," the club said in a statement. "We had over 80 players, young and old, who lined out for the tournament, with unbelievable support on the sidelines. Thank you to each and every one of you."