Leinster success tinged with sadness for Moate CS captain

For Moate Community School ladies football team captain Áine Gaynor, last Wednesday's Leinster Senior 'A' final victory was a poignant and emotional day.

In a sporting context, it was a hugely memorable day as Caulry's Áine and her MCS teammates defeated Loreto St Michael's, Navan in a thrilling final in Kinnegad. However, the day was also tinged with sadness as Áine's grandmother Elizabeth (Betty) Gaynor passed away.

Áine's dad Hugh has been very involved with Caulry GAA and Caulry LGFA and the Baylin resident is a keen footballer supporter. He was in attendance at last week's final and it appears word reached Áine during the game that her grandmother had taken ill as she became visibly upset on the field.

At first those in attendance felt the MCS captain may have picked up an injury as she started the game with strapping on her left leg. However, it soon became apparent that something else was upsetting Áine but, to her great credit, she composed herself and played on. And a few minutes later, Áine crashed the ball to the Loreto net for a brilliant goal.

In total, Áine scored 1-4 and showed admirable leadership at key moments. After a nail-biting victory (final score 6-10 to 4-12), she accepted the trophy on behalf of her MCS colleagues. No doubt, it was a victory which Áine dedicated to her dearly departed granny.

Elizabeth (Betty) Gaynor (née Connor) of Horseleap, Moate, Co. Westmeath died peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on January 19. Betty will be sadly missed by her husband Hugh, daughters Hilda and Róisín, sons Jimmy, Johnny, Hugh and Tom, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Funeral Mass was held at St Peter & Paul’s Church, Horseleap yesterday (Sunday), with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest in peace.