GALLERY: Heroes emerge on the Hill as tradition is maintained
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Legendary hurler Steven Clynch (centre) received the Padraic Curtis Joey Horan Memorial Award from Ann Curtis and Paddy Horan after he won the o-40 section in the Kilmessan annual Puc Fada event.Image 2 of 8
Deirdre Donohoe (centre), who was representing the Kilmessan Camogie Club, presented the trophy to the joint winners of the u-16 camogie category at the Puc Fada - Chloe O’Neill and Hannah Morgan.Image 3 of 8
Former Kilmessan and Meath hurler Paul Donnelly, who won the 0-55 category at the club’s Puc Fada, received the trophy from club chairman Jim Harlin.Image 4 of 8
Kyle Donnelly, the winner of the senior men’s category at the Kilmessan Puc Fada event receives his prize from Kilmessan Hurling Club chairman Jim Harlin.Image 5 of 8
Emily Mangan (left) from Blackhall Gaels was the winner of the senior camogie category at the Kilmessan Puc Fada event on the Hill of Tara. She received the trophy from Deirdre Donohoe, representing the Kilmessan Camogie section.Image 6 of 8
Rebecca Horan (left) received her trophy for winning the minor camogie event on the Hill of Tara from Kilmessan Camogie Club representative Deirdre Donohoe.Image 7 of 8
The Cormac Doyle Memorial Shield was presented to Conor Horan (left) the winner of the minor hurlers section at the Kilmessan Puc Fada. Also included are Sean Doyle, Tadgh Doyle and Jim Harlin.Image 8 of 8
The winner of the u-16 boys event at the Kilmessan Puc Fada was Patrick Guy. The presentation of the trophy was made by Kilmessan Hurling Club chairman Jim Harlin to Ann Horan, who stood in for the winner.The wind blew and the mist descended but that didn't deter those who took part in the annual Kilmessan Puc Fada extravaganza, organised by the local GAA club, which took place recently on the ancient Hill of Tara.
The puc fada competition is aimed at testing the skills of hurling and camogie players with the sport maintained locally by the club noted for producing its many legendary hurlers down the years.
Competitors met at Kilmessan hurling and camogie pitch and were transferred by John Bradley by bus to the Hill where they took part in the various categories. Yet the day wasn't just about the competitors - there were many others who played their part in ensuring everything ran smoothly including stewards, spottors and referees.
They were all thanked by the club as were many others. "We express out thanks to the various land owners for allowing us to cross their fields and the stewards at various locations as well as the spotters and referees," explained Kilmessan PRO Ian Fitzsimmons.
"We also thank our 'Halfway House' staff , our various camera people for taking photos.
Also a big thank you is expressed to the catering people who, as always, provided a great service to all who came back to the clubhouse for something to eat. Thanks also to the bar staff who ensured those who wanted a drink got one," the PRO added.
"Thanks to our course design team, to the lads who also got equipment and other essential gear up on the Hill and those on the Hill who set the competitors on their journey. Also the registration team who set up all participants on the day, as well as the scoreboard people for logging scores etc. Thanks to the camogie girls for decorating the hall in such wonderful colours.
"Thanks to our chairman Jim Harlin and Deirdre Donohoe who represented the camogie club and who was involved in the presentation of the the various trophies.
Thanks also to Jim for performing the MC's duties.
"Thanks to all the committee for their hard work at different stages organising this event - and to all our sponsors.
"It was great to have TG4 there to see what a small community can do.
Everyone involved in the day had a lot fun and enjoyment.
Thanks to all those who helped in any way. Hope to see you all next year!"
Puc Fada 2024 results: Senior men - Kyle Donnelly 41; senior women - Emily Mangan 50; o-40 - Stephen Clynch 45; o-55 - Paul Donnelly 54; minor hurling - Conor Horan 49; minor camogie - Rebecca Horan 65; u-16 boys - Patrick Guy 54; u-16 girls - Chloe O'Neill/Hannah Morgan 81 (joint winners).