An event discussing the future of Gaelic football with legendary manager Jim Gavin will go ahead in Ballaghaderreen this Friday night in what are very poignant circumstances.
The event, held as part of the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival, was to involve former GAA manager John O’Mahony and his good friend Tommie Gorman (of RTE renown) but both gentlemen passed away in recent weeks.
The ‘Saving Gaelic Football’ discussion will be held at St Nathy’s College from 7.30 pm on Friday, August 9th, with former RTE broadcaster Seán O’Rourke as host and former Dublin manager Jim Gavin as special guest.
Despite their illnesses, both John O’Mahony and Tommie Gorman had intended to be at this event. The good friends had made a pact to that effect, but sadly both men died in recent weeks.
Last spring it was John ‘Johnno’ O’Mahony who contacted Jim Gavin on behalf of the festival committee to ask whether he might be available for interview. Jim, who managed Dublin to six All-Ireland titles, including an unprecedented five-in-a-row, was happy to accept the invitation.
John O’Mahony then asked Tommie Gorman to conduct the interview on the night, and Tommie agreed. Last February Jim Gavin was appointed by the GAA to lead its Football Review Group on the future of the game.
Despite the sad passing of both John O’Mahony and Tommie Gorman, their families were determined that the ‘Saving Gaelic Football’ event would proceed.
Jim Gavin reaffirmed his commitment to be there, while broadcaster Seán O’Rourke agreed immediately to step in and conduct the interview.
Another good friend of Tommie Gorman’s, Seán is a also a long-standing admirer of John O’Mahony’s, not least as the late Mayo man brought two All-Irelands to Galway, Seán’s home county.
John O’Mahony and Tommie Gorman will be in everyone’s thoughts when ‘Saving Gaelic Football’ takes place at St Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen, from 7.30 pm on Friday, August 9th.
Details at ballaghaderreenartsfestival.com and Ticket Tailor.
