The Late Noel Farrelly Noel Farrelly passed away on Sunday, February 17th. He was someone I was glad to call my friend. A proud native of Templemore, he was involved in all things 'sporting'. Noel born on 17-12-1961, six weeks later I was born, two new additions to the Park Road team. Living only two doors apart we spent many hours together, a friendship that lasted 43 years. Growing up on Park Road we shared a wonderful childhood, creating close ties with our neighbours. Having gone separate ways over the years, it was comforting to see so many of the lads from those families return to Naas to pay final respects to Noel. The Nuns was the first school we went to, moving on to the Boy's Primary C.B.S. a few years later. It was here we started to 'get serious' on sport, under the watchful eye of Michael Meagher. Playing in the red colours of the school, Noel was selected to play for Tipperary Under 21's (Football). In all the schools he attended, Noel was always a popular member of the student body. Living on the Park Road, we had the Town Park on our door step, football, hurling, soccer, pitch & putt, Summer days and nights were easily filled. Most nights the "gang" would be out on the road (homework done), teams would be selected from the Farrellys, Barrys, McDonnells, Destelles Hanleys. Games went on late into the evening. In the garage of Farrelly's house saw the formation of the 'Leeds United' Supporter's Club, Paul was Commander in Chief, one of the first in Ireland (est.1970). Each month we waited for the post to arrive from Elland Road, autographs on photos, game programmes but when Chelsea beat Leeds United 2 - I in the Cup Final of 1970, Noel decided he was now a Chelsea supporter. At this time Noel developed his love of horses. The black and white horse my grandfather had in the field behind the Farrelly's house was our first challenge. We joined the Riding School in the Abbey run by Seamus Ryan. Saturdays were looked forward to. Each week, Noel, Denis O'Doherty and myself spent hours schooling the horses, however after a few tough falls and a broken arm by Denis, we decided that maybe that we would be better off back in the Park playing football. We maintained our connection with farm animals as young boys working in the Mart in Bank Street. During our Summer holidays we would spend every Thursday in the Mart. We paraded the cattle around the sales ring and loaded the cattle trucks for the journey home. After all the Mart's tasks were completed. we would finish our day in the slaughter house helping Donie Bentley to clean up. Pocket money secured it was over to Tom Short to buy the latest in football boots. Tom would then give us a lesson on how to kick the ball properly with our new boots using the empty boot box as a ball. (Customers in the shop must have thought he was mad!). On the sporting field we began our association with Templemore Eire Og in 1972. Playing under 12,14,16,18, 21 and senior in the green jersey of the town many fine displays were given from half back. Always one of the first names on the team sheet, you always got 100% in each match from Noel. Selection to Tipperary Minor and 21 teams followed, a proud moment in his career. We started to play senior football around 1979 with Eire Og, not having won a Mid title for many years, we felt we could help break the 'duck' for the club. However we had great difficulty with a team called Loughmore Castleiney. Coming off second best over the years we did not get to win that cherished medal. Looking back on those games they were enjoyable and friendships were formed. Many of the lads from Loughmore Castleiney did go to school in Templemore C.B.S. at that time so at least we did get to win something after all !! Selected mainly as a defender, Noel was top scorer on Mick Ryan's team in the club's major 7 a side tournament with a total of 3-10 winning a match sponsered by J.J. Nash. (1980) Lining out with Templemore C.B.S. v De La Salle in Cashel he scored 3 goals from full forward. A fine hurler many honours were won with Clonmore and he was a member of the first team to play Senior hurling for Clonmore. Templemore C.B.S. 1975-1979 Without doubt Noel's most enjoyable time on the sporting field was with "Big John" (Costigan) as teacher and coach we knew we were in for a tough time. Noel made all the teams - Rice Cup, Na Phiarsigh, Croke, Fitzgerald, Dean Ryan, Harty. Great years! Medal followed medal, many won beside his brother Liam. 1978 - 30 years this year the Holy Grail and All Ireland success. Being selected on so many teams had it's perks, homework was never an issue! A Golfer (5 H'cap) Captain of Naas in 2004 Growing up we did not play golf together but we did join the Pitch and Putt club. The foundation of his golf game was created here, no wonder he was hard to win money from. During that era we had many "battles" on the Pitch and Putt course. The Club Fourball 1976 was one such event. Noel Ryan and myself v Noel and Dom Wixted. Ryan and Hanley 'hot favourites', result - Wixted and Farrelly win. 4 - 2. The trophy took pride of place on top of the piano in No. 13 Park Road. On many occasions Noel would 'round up the team' for a major assault on Naas Golf Club. Victory followed often, much to his delight, although he did get a lot of "slagging" from the natives, Noel knew how to pick a team, golf was played for enjoyment, as long as we won! (no pressure). Reflecting on our shared time and life expenence together, celebrating Communion, Confirmation, Weddings, Births (even All-lreland wins for Tipp.) I now realise how special these times were, coming only once in a life time. It is difficult to believe that we will not walk the fairways again. You will be missed by many, I am proud to have been a fnend of yours, May you Rest in Peace. John Hanley. Courtesy of the Tipperary Star 5 April 2008 Tweet

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