Cosmos celebrate 35 years

Over the years various theories have developed as to the origin of the name Navan Cosmos FC. Where did the Cosmos come from? One theory was that club joint-founder Frank Henry (who established the club along with his brother Tom) added it onto Navan instead of 'United' 'Rovers' or 'Celtic' simply because of his interest in astrology. On Saturday night at the club's 35th anniversary celebrations at the Stonehouse in Navan all was revealed. Henry confirmed how the club took the name from the New York Cosmos soccer team who, in the late 1970s, were a big deal in the North America Soccer League with Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer among their stars. Both Frank Henry and his brother Tom entered two teams in a seven-a-side soccer tournament in 1977. One was named Cosmos, the other Dynamos. Eventually the two combined to form one team that eventually became known as Navan Cosmos. One of the legends that developed was that the Dynamos played the Cosmos to decide what name the new club would have although Frank Henry can't recall any such match. Players of the past and present along with their wives and partners gathered on Saturday to mark a significant birthday for the club and among them was Frank Henry who received a special 'honorary life member' award. Also present was Phil Reilly former chairman and now president of the club and the man regarded as having done a lot for the Navan outfit in difficult times. Conspicuous by his absence was FAI supremo John Delaney who was due to appear, but had other commitments ahead of the international against Oman in London. However, MDL secretary Gerry Gorman was in attendance. Current chairman Neil Byrne recounted how the club had grown from "humble beginnings" to a position where they are now one of the longest established outfits in the MDL with a big emphasis on building for the future. "I suppose the fact that we are Division 1 champions this season adds a little extra joy to occasion," the chairman told the Meath Chronicle. "We have two senior teams and four schoolboy teams and a schoolboy academy for four and five year olds. We're all the time trying to sustain what we have as well as plan for the future." Not that it has been all plain sailing for the Cosmos. Like many other junior clubs they have at times struggled to raise the finances needed however with the hard work of club members they got over the turbulent times. "Our aim looking to the future is to keep the schoolboy set up going and go on from there," he added. "Like every club, finances are tight especially when you are trying to introduce younger, new teams every year. That's the big challenge, fundraising is a huge issue for every club, we're no different to anyone else in that regard." Part of the anniversary celebrations included an exhibition of newspaper cuttings and photographs of various teams and players from the start to the present day. It was an impressive record of the ups and down Cosmos have gone through in the last 35 years. The exhibition was painstakingly put together from a team that included Brian Newman, Bob Hogan, Carl Hogan, Neil Byrne, Padraig Fitzsimons, John Conaty, Phil Reilly and Frank Henry. Earlier on Saturday a Legends v Heroes game featuring many of the players from the club's eventful past.