Fine gesture by the Inch Point to point Committee to Inch ladies

There are many places all over the country that boast the name
of Inch, perhaps the most famous is Inch in Kerry, where the major
part of the film Playboy of the Western World was shot. But when
it comes to sport the Inch in the parish of Killeagh, is miles
ahead. Famous for its strong tradition in the Sport of Kings,
the O’Neill horses supported by numerous friends including yours
truly, known the length and breadth of the country and beyond
for the exploits of the “Inch” prefixed horses. In recent
years the Spy Wednesday(in Holy Week) Point to Point has come
be recognised as one of the top meets in the country, with an
excellent course, albeit a bit isolated, great organisation, great
racing and a truly great day out. One would expect no more from
a dedicated group of men and women and again I should know having
spent 5 great years in the parish from 1988-93.

Phenomenal People

These good people are a truly phenomenal bunch and a credit to
the Community. They not only look after their own needs, but they
take pride in the achievements of anybody from this close, tight
knit community. Friday last was the night of their AGM, again
reflecting on another great year and looking forward no doubt
to an equally good 2007. After the AGM which attracted a massive
crowd, they used the occasion to make the official presentation
of ?1,000 to the Inch ladies football team, recent winners of

the All-Ireland Intermediate title, a remarkable achievement with
a largely home grown group of players with a few friends added.
It was fitting that Angela Walsh should receive the cheque from
Nicholas Kelly. Angela is arguably the best lady footballer in
the country, and certainly the best defender in the country, without
a shadow of doubt and an All Star again this year to boot. Angela
gave up a bright future in athletics as an international athlete.
Under my tutelage she won several national titles with cross-country
being her special forte. When I made the switch it was not long
before Angela and her sister Ciara the Capt in the All-Ireland

winning team, made the switch. Another sister Niamh also a brilliant
athlete has since made the switch. It was great to see Michael
Slattery who kept ladies football going almost single handedly
in Inch for years, He was not slow to remind me that he did not
receive much help from me, but he did have my prayer backing,
but acknowledged that the athletics training was a great help.

The current maestro and mastermind behind the team, Noel O’Connor
was there in all his glory as proud as punch and rightly so. Noel
like Michael has been like a one man band coaching, writing and
cajoling his girls to success. One must not minimise or underestimate
the level of his achievement in bringing the girls to this level
and no doubt this is just the start of a great oddessy. Senior
success beckons, the all blacks of Donoughmore beware.

The other players present were Fiona and Ann Marie Walsh, a recent
star with the “underdogs” Present curate Pat Corkery
and the recently departed curate Barry O’Flynn, honoured the occasion
with their presence. True to form the ladies committee provided
refreshments up to the very highest standards. The village which
up to recently boasted of 3 houses a church a hall and a pub which
closed during my time there, a great drama group headed by the
Flavins, now has the All-Ireland champions in ladies football
from humble beginnings, Inch has really come a long way.

Before taking my departure I was gently persuaded to have a picture
exhibition which I have been running in aid of the Hurricane Katrina
fund and left with an amazing ?1,000. The race committee purchasing
5 pictures for the Ladies football table quiz on the 28th of December,
and many other punters availing of nice Christmas presents. A
further reminder, that it is very hard to score an own goal at
Inch.