The Late John Flanagan A deep sadness descended on the parish of Carbury on the 18th of April upon learning that John Flanagan has passing away. John was a native of Carbury and resided at Rathmore. John Flanagan had a long loyal history with Carbury GAA both as a talented player and as a supporter. John played in an array of underage teams for Carbury as a young boy winning many juvenile and minor medals. He also played with Kildare senior teams in league challenge and tournament games. In 1956 he played under 16's for Carbury. This was the first Carbury side to win the Juvenile Championship. This was a sign of things to come as in three years time, John would be playing for the Carbury senior team in a county final. His talent and skills as a footballer came to the fore in the sixties when he played on the formidable Senior Carbury team. John played in several Senior County finals for Carbury. In 1960, John played in several Senior County finals for Carbury. In 1960, John played for Carbury won this match, the final score being 2-9 to 0-5, John scored 2 goals and 2 points in this match. The late Vincent Hanley compiled a list of '10 Famous Goals' in 'A History of Carbury Gaelic Football Club' This list includes John's second goal against Round Towers. Reference is also made to the fact that John was one of 7 teenagers that starred on this senior team which is termed as 'the resurrection of Carbury Football'. The remaining 6 were Jack Carey, Pat Cummins, Mick Thornton, Seamus Reilly, Noel Ryan and John Cummins. For John, as a teenager, it was an amazing achievement to have played a significant part in the recapturing of the County Championship for Carbury after a dismal lapse of 16 years. John was a skillful and talented player and won the admiration of all who saw him play. In 1961 John played with the Carbury senior team in the county final against Round Towers and scored 2 points. In 1965, John played on the winning Carbury senior team against Moorefield in the county final. In 1968 he scored two points against Raheens in the county final. In Pen Pictures of the Carbury team in the Leinster Leader in 1961 John was described as follows 'left hand forward-the discovery of last years final was top scorer.... Another who won juvenile and minor championships'. The sixties of Carbury GAA were halcyon-like, the players of that decade epitomised the eagerness and determination that is necessary for a team to succeed. John played a substaintial part in that legendary decade of Carbury GAA. John wore the Carbury jersey again on the 11th August 1984 for a repeat of the 1960 Final against Round Tower. Along with John's contribution to the community via football, he was a much love character. John possessed all those qualities that makes a man a gentleman. He was also regarded as a true friend by many. John Flanagan will be sadly missed by the community. A full guard of honour was in place for John, consisting of his former team mates. Pat Nally, a former team mate and life long friend, gave a moving eulogy at John's funeral mass which captured John's love of the GAA and his perspective on Life. Pat referred to John's 'encyclopediac' knowledge of GAA, of how John could remember exact details of matches that were played 40 years ago. John never worried, as 'tomorrow would look after itself'. Above all, John was a friend to many who could be depended upon. Carbury GAA would like to extend it's deepest sympathy to John's family including Tom, Padraic and Jerome, Susan, Martha and Maureen and John's nieces and nephews. May he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Leinster Leader 30th April 2009 Tweet

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