John Magee (Snr) - A tribute by Michael Sargent.

Blessington GAA club last week lost another of its stalwarts.

John Magee had battled cancer for nigh on twenty years but finally succumbed to the great sadness of his family and friends most especially those in Blessington and Wicklow GAA.

John was Blessington club to his core and after family was his number one passion. He played for the club for over twenty years, winning a JFC medal at halve back in 1974 and an IFC medal in 1979 at full forward and played in the SFC final of 1980. John moved on then to be a club selector for many years, committee man and County Board rep. There was no greater seller of draw tickets than John and a Punchestown Annual Guinness Chase draw he for many years outsold several others combined. He distributed and collected lotto tickets and even today will be missed on his regular rounds.

 

John looked after opening and closing of the astro and collection of the fees and with the departure of Barry O Donovan to Australia John took over the bookings and allocation of slots as well. Allied to this work John on the retirement of the late Mick Curran took over also the duties of groundsman. John was a busy man as he also helped Wicklow GAA by manning the gate particularly in Aughrim with Mick Mills and Tommy Brady.

 

Johns extraordinary commitment to club saw him maintain and run the bookings and allocations of the astro pitch from his hospital bed and to the awe of visitors , visits were interrupted as John negotiated or berated someone who previously booked and failed to show . The Blessington club are indebted to the family members particularly John junior who took on the job of opening / closing and collecting the cash on behalf of their Dad.

 

Club and county acknowledged Johns lifetime of service with two honorary awards this year. The club gave John the Blessington GAA Hall of Fame Award while county gave The Wicklow GAA Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

John was also very honoured to be acknowledged as club President.

 

In other areas John loved Punchestown, Tramore and Listowel and was a keen member of one of the local horse syndicates even if the horse failed to give much cheer. As a builder John spent his working career with Park Developments many of whom continued to stay in touch.

 

Sincerest sympathy to his wife Kathleen and family Chris, Noelle, Sarah, John and Patrick and sister Teresa, sons in law, daughters in law, grandchildren and great grandson on their huge loss. The club have lost one their great advocates, worker and supporter, people like John Magee are irreplaceable in clubs today.

 

Club grounds closure - Unfortunately due to further instruction from the GAA it is now necessary for Blessington GAA to close its grounds and all facilities contained within. This notice is for the safety and welfare of our Members and the Community. Fingers crossed we will all be back up there doing what we do best before we know it.

 

#ClubTogether– Blessington GAA have linked in with Supervalu to support the elderly or anyone that needs assistance at this time. If you know of anyone who would like some help with shopping, picking up prescriptions or anything you can think off please don’t hesitate to contact Lisa 0863766534 or Michelle 0863734748.

 

Lotto -In line with recommendations received from Croke Park and to protect our members and supporters it has been decided to defer our club Lotto until further notice. We had intended to hold Lotto, which was due on 24 Mar on Sun 29 Mar. Any tickets which have been sold will be eligible for the next draw when the danger of Covid 19 has passed. Those that play by Direct Debit/ Standing Order or online will be given credit or refunded, if appropriate, when we get back in business. In the meantime, please keep well, keep your distance and we hope to be back playing & running our club in the future. Regards. The Lotto Committee.

 

Bingo – Happy 1st Birthday to Blessington Bingo! We look forward to celebrating our birthday when we get back. Stay safe. 

 

Blessington GAA Art Competition -To help our own youngsters fill in some of their time the club has launched an art competition. How to Enter -
1. Create Your Artwork
2. Email Entry to [email protected]
3. Include Name / Age & Team

Entry Ideas - Design a poster, design a jersey, draw out your favourite football memory.

Prizes Include (multiple winners)
- Training session with Senior Men (for your team)
- Training session with Senior Ladies (for your team)
- Vouchers
- Footballs
- Club Gear and much more.

 

Clothes Collection - For anyone who is clearing out the wardrobes during this time Blessington GAA are still collecting unwanted clean clothes etc. Contact Breda on 0872253892 for more info.

 

Instagram - Blessington GAA is now on Instagram. Keep up to date with all the action by following us - Username @blessingtongaa.

 

Remember to keep updated on what is happening in the Club log on to Blessington GAA on Facebook and on Twitter @blessingtongaa. If you wish to be on the Blessington GAA Supporters Whats App please text your name to 087 2858375. 

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