Past glories recalled at Rosemount social event

The Rosemount GAA Social Initiative last week hosted a very successful get-together of footballers from the 1950 era including the 1951/52/53 Westmeath senior champions from the club. This social event also included footballers from the defeated finalists in those years - Kinnegad (1951). St Mary's Rochfortbridge (1952) and Athlone (1953). There were many other past players also in the large attendance. The evening commenced with Mass in Rosemount Community Centre for deceased players of these teams. John Burke, MC for the evening, gave the background to the event and welcomed everybody present, in particular the more than 40 players from the 1950s who were present. John did the narration as the gifts were brought to the altar at the commencement of Mass which included a flag carried by a representative of each of the four clubs present. Rosemount team members then brought up items from the 1953 final which included the football used, football boots worn on the day, the programme and a Rosemount jersey and a selection of medals, including the three championship medals won by Johnny Healy. Micheál " Muircheartaigh, guest speaker for the event, read the first lesson while Rosemount GAA chairman Colm Boland read the responsorial psalm. The Gospel, selected by celebrant (and former Rosemount player) Fr Jimmy Murray was also enacted by former team members, as were the prayers of the faithful and communion reflection. Over 20 past players participated in the liturgy which was attended by approximately 150 players and supporters. Following Mass, the ladies committee provided a splendid sit down meal for people present. And many games were replayed over and over again. Micheál " Muircheartaigh was full of praise for the organising committee and in particular for all the former players and others who were present. He commented on the 1953 programme from the Westmeath county final and said it was far superior to the one produced for the All Ireland final in the same year. He also referred to the boots and football from 1953 comparing them to those in today's games. And overall he delivered a most enjoyable talk and told stories that only the legendary Micheál can tell with such wit, grace and precision. Jimmy Keane, Social Initiative Co-ordinator for Westmeath, in his address gave some background to the Social Initiative and encouraged other clubs in the county to get involved. He said Rosemount would be more than happy to assist any club and share our learning with them. He reassured past players on the future of "this great club" and complimented those involved with the underage structure in place. He congratulated the Intermediate team in reaching the Championship semi-finals, mentioning the very young squad of players on the panel. Fr Jimmy Murray presented Micheál " Muircheartaigh with a painting of 'The Supper at Emmaus' by Caravaggio and Marie Burke presented a bouquet of flowers for his wife, Helena. Micheál said he was so delighted to get this gift which meant so much and again complimented the Club on their organisation in making this most enjoyable Social Get-together happen. Players/officials who attended Rosemount Social Initiative event last Wednesday (29th August) are listed below. Rosemount Players: Georgie Keane, Pat Browne, Joe Keane, Martin Byrne, Kevin Darcy, Pat Keane, Fr Jimmy Murray, Kevin Kelly, Michael Kavanagh, Tony Kinihan, Benny Smyth, Tom Darcy, Johnny Healy, Billy Lynam, Oliver O'Rourke, Paddy McManus, John Nally, Larry Dunican, Willie Maxwell, Fr Bernie Maxwell, Johnny Keane, Hughie Slevin, Pat Buckley. St Mary's Rochfortbridge: Tommy Kelly, Bernie Bradley, Joe O'Brien, Joe Le Strange, Peter Flynn, Paddy O'Brien Paddy Whelan, John Bradley, Brendan Arthur, Bernie Fallon, Larry Arthur, Jim Ryan, Larry Ennis, Billy Kelly, Pat Bradley Athlone: Joe Browne, Jimmy Nugent, Mickey Scanlon, Bernie Coakley, Sean Fogarty, Jimmy Reynolds. Kinnegad: Denis Coyne, John Joe Flynn, Kit Darby, Tony Glynn, Joe Giles, Pa Giles, Kenneth Flynn. Officials from 1953 Final: Tony Gilligan, Noel Stokes. For further information about the Social Initiative, the members of the Rosemount committee can be contacted on the phone numbers below. Rosemount Social Initiative Committee: Jimmy Keane (086-2490038), John Burke (086-7252295), Pete Keenan (087-2552717) and Benny Smyth (086-1041773).