Buckley, Eammon
January 14, 2010
The death occurred recently in London of Eammon Buckley, late of Old Grange, Monasterevin.
Eammon was one of the founding members of Ballykelly GFC, which was formed in 1952/53 and caused quite a stir at the time. The club took part in it's first championship in 1953 and the team had an unusual midfield pairing. Long John Harrison and Eammon Buckley were the club's regular pairing with the latter standing at 5 foot 7 inches and Harrison at 6 foot 3 inches tall.
It proved to be a very successful midfield partnership as Long John was masterful at catching the high ball, while Eammon mopped up everything at ground level.
Eammon Buckley was of the Declan Kerrigan mould, he could run all day and he would put his body where another man wouldn't. He was a human dynamo and he had great heart with guts to match. Many a tough opponents went home feeling very sore indeed!
Another team mate of Eammon's was the great Sheamus Harrison or the 'Red Lad' as he was known. Sheamus went on to win a Leinster with Kildare in 1956, he also played for his province and won an All Ireland jersey during that time.
During the '50s the rivalry between Ballykelly and Monasterevin was at it's peak. Large crowds turned out to watch these games and the highlight was the tussle between Eammon Buckley and Monasterevin's Peter Mopney. Although they were lifelong friends, there were no holes barred during these games. Indeed after one game at the old pitch behind the shrine both players shared the one bicycle to the nearest watering hole.
Mooney, who was known the 'Great Mooney', carried Eammon on the crossbar and one is sure there were a couple of pints downed that evening! At that time sports- manship was of the essence and both Peter and Eammon had the greatest respect for each other.
Eammon Buckley was a great servant to Ballykelly GFC and even after leaving for London he still retained a deep interest in the club and his beloved Kildare.
One thing I do know, that since he went to heaven there has been a hell of a lot of football played when Eammon got together with all the former Ballykelly and Monasterevin footballers. A lot of these players are gone to their eternal reward and I would not like to be the referee when St Peter throws in the ball to re-start the game.
-Liam Buckley
Courtesy of The Limerick Leader Jan 14th 2010
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