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Weekly Notes - 14th February 2007It is an inevitable consequence of the human condition that there will be conflict between generations. Maturing youth with its black and white views and naïve idealism will often find itself out of sympathy with the experenential cynicism and maturely-reflected conservatism of adults. All healthy and natural; thesis, antithesis and growth. Unfortunately in this age of consumerism such differences have been seized upon and accentuated so as to divide society into age-defined, almost hermetically separated strata: pre-teen, teen, etc., for convenient exploitation. As a result, occasions for mutually enriching interactions between generations have become all too rare. The Éire Óg Dinner Dance on Saturday night was such an occasion: persons from 18 to 80 mixing freely in a night of joyful revelry. From the first note sounded by the band to the striking up of Amhrán na bhFiann the floor was alive with an exuberant, gyrating, clapping throng. The consensus: a highly enjoyable and memorable night.The highlight of the evening was the ceremony accompanying the award made to incumbent Uachtarán, Des Mitchell, in recognition of a "lifetime of loyal and dedicated service to our club". Cá bhfhaighimid a leithéid arís - where will we find his likes again? The presentation which took the form of an inscribed cut-glass vase was made by Ray Barry. Ray's citation included a brief outline of Des's connection with the club which stretches over a period of somewhat in excess of half a century. In his playing days Des was renowned as a forceful and prolific scoring forward. He was a member of the championship winning team of 1956. Even before his playing days were done he joined the committee and remained a member, including stints as Rúnaí and Cathaoirleach, until quite recently. While Des was also well known as a soccer player - indeed his deeds in the Bog at the Arch are legendary - he always felt himself more at home in the Gaelic ambience. He was, for many years, a selector with the Intermediate team - at the time a post calling for some dedication - and Ray painted a vivid word picture of Des on his bike as he made his way from house to house notifying and encouraging players. Teams tended to be a bit of a 'gather up' in those times. No better illustration of our changed society could be found than in the anecdote told by Ray of the post '85 celebrations when Des awoke to find himself on a neighbour's couch - keys could be left in doors in 'dem dere days'. Latterly Des took great interest in underage affairs and, as an umpire at their games, came to the acquaintance of many of our younger players. Cherchez la femme. Des could not have done all he did for the club without his understanding and supportive soul-mate, his wife, Peggy. The club is forever in Peggy's debt for the work she did over the years to ensure that our teams were dazzlingly attired taking the field. Peggy's contribution was also acknowledged on the night. Des's reply had the eloquence of simplicity, that eloquence which derives from words haloed with emotion and spoken with heartfelt sincerity. The import of his address is best summarised by the words of a listener "it had me close to tears". The end of Des's few words was greeted with a spontaneous standing ovation. Des and Peggy have decamped to Carlow to be closer to family. Everyone in Éire Óg wishes them many years of health and happiness in their new surroundings. They are much missed ins na Clocha Liatha. Beannacht Dé oraibh beirt. A word of encouragement to a brave young boy. Glen Hayden underwent an operation recently. Everyone in the club wishes him a speedy recovery and looks forward to seeing him in action down in Éire Óg shortly. |
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