Mick Raymond 1917 - 2007 The Kerins O'Rahillys club lost one of its greatest stalwarts on Tuesday, June 25 with the death of club president, Michael 'Mick' Raymond, at the age of 90, of Michael's Square and formerly of Charerina Cottages. Mick had given a lifetime to the club as a player, selector, mentor and president. The guard of honour at the removal and funeral provided by the Blues to one of its famous and loyal sons proved testament to the high esteem in which he was held by young and old. Mick was steeped in the tradition and heart of the Blues, on e of nine children, born to parents Richard and Mary Raymond in Caherina Cottages. Kicking the leather was second nature to the Raymond brothers, as they proved to be outstanding footballers and ambassadors for the club. From a young age this talent was recognised and nurtured by the officials in the club. Mick, a man of imposing stature both on and off the field, played a central part in the fortunes of the Blues in the late 30's. In the county final of 1939, Kerins O'Rahillys faced the might of Dingle and following a replay the Strand Road men won the day, thanks to Mick. There is an old Irish proverb that the person who is not strong must be clever. So it was with O'Rahillys. They lacked weight and strength, but made up for these deficiencies in field craft. They won not through brilliance but through profiting by the oppositions lapses and inability to score principally. O'Rahilly's secured a good lead early on and Mick Raymond had the better of the midfield exchanges, helping them to a half time lead of 1-5 to 0-2. Then Bill Dillon eluded the O'Rahilly's defence to rattle the net. But the Tralee men just put some vim into their work and completely decided the issue when Mick Raymond clinched the title with the winning goal. The O'Rahilly's team that lined out that day was: Dan O'Keeffe, Paddy O'Brien, Mickeen Clifford, Peter Ronan, Charlie Kerins, Gerald Teahan, Jack Falvey, Mick Raymond, Jack Healy, Paddy Kennedy, Jim Bán Fitzgerald, Charlie O'Sullivan captain, Bill Dennehy, Dan Spring, Tim Hayes. It would be another 14 years before the Bishop Moynahan cup would find its way back to Strand Road, John Dowling having the honour as captain in 1953. For Mick the pinnacle of his career more than likely was 1939. He won his second All-Ireland senior medal - having gained the first in 1937 - was a member of the victorious county championship winning team and toured America with the Kerry senior football team. There was no prouder man than Mick when the team marched around Gaelic Park, New York, as he represented his club and his county. He was the last surviving member of the 1939 winning O'Rahilly's championship team which brought the club its second title. Following his retirement from the playing field, Mick gave of his time freely in the hope of rekindling the flame that would bring further honour and glory to the club. The club had been renamed the Kerins O'Rahillys, following the death of his team-mate Charlie Kerins in December, 1944. He was a member of the backroom staff and selector when successive county championships were won by Strand Rad in 1953 and 1954. Heartening times indeed for everyone concerned, but for Mick it meant the continuance of a proud tradition and history for the club. He was honoured with the presidency of the club in 1998. He fulfiled the role with sincerity and dignity and always took a keen interest in all the Strand Road teams. He was at the helm in 2002 when the county championship was clinched after a lapse of 46 years. The glory days were back in Strand Road and for Mick it was a wonderful time to be president. The County minor championship was eclipsed for the first time by the Blues in 2006. The club mentors made it a point of going to visit Mick, who was indisposed at the time, and taking photos of the historic occasion. A gesture which was very much appreciated by his family. Life outside of football for Mick revolved around his family. He married Cathy Counihan from Garryruth, Boherbee and was proud father to daughters Teresa and Carmel. Mick and Cathy celebrated over 50 years of married life and were a very happy and devoted couple. His working life was spent in the employment of Messrs Henry Denny & Son, Gas Terrace. Mick was a man of great principles and whenever an issue arose in the work place, he was often called upon to give his opinion. This he did in a quiet but firm manner which was respected by management and union leaders. His word was his bond and he gave the same dedication and loyalty to his workmates as he had given on the field of play for Strand Road and Kerry. Mick, a quiet and refined man, got the greatest of pleasure out of the simple things in life. A game of cards, a walk in the Town Park with his dog Brandy, strolling in Fenit or along the sandy beaches of Banna and Ballyheigue. His daily journey to town would not be complete without a visit to the bookies to back a couple of horses - or as he said himself donkeys - as they never won. Proud of the street in which he was born and the accolades he won on the field of play, Mick was never boastful of his achievements. At the removal of his remains from Hogan's Funeral Home, club members from the 50's era and present players formed a Guard of Honour as a mark of respect. His coffin was draped in the blue and white of Kerins O'Rahillys and green and gold of Kerry. Mick was predeceased by his wife Cathy in December, 2004. He is deeply regretted by his loving daughters Teresa and Carmel, grandchildren, sons-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Suaimhneas siorrai da anam dilis. Courtesy of the Kerryman July 2007 Tweet

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