Lissan knocks Kilcullen from Celebrity Bainisteoir
Kilcullen lost the game against Lissan of Derry in a nail-biter finish which had Kilcullen (SCORE EMBARGOED BY RTE) with five minutes to go. This means that—despite the best efforts of Brenda Donaghue—the home side has been knocked off the road to glory in the RTE TV 'Celebrity Bainisteoir' series at their first clash.
From early morning there was a really festive atmosphere about the club, with the Juvenile game bringing out the parents and youngsters. There were burgers and drinks available, and the buzz heated up when people got their hands on 'The Naked Truth' calendars produced by the Kilcullen club.
For the main event, good crowds of supporters from both sides gathered from after midday. The two teams arrived by bus from their respective hotels, Keadeen for the local lads and Kilashee for the Derry side.
They were met by Kilcullen club President Pat Lynch, and legendary commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh who talks here to Brian Byrne about the importance of events like this to the GAA, the clubs and the community.
There was a surprise for the commentator, who celebrated his birthday yesterday. Chef Ellen O'Driscoll from Bardons—who were catering for the crew and teams before and after the match respectively—had baked him a special cake, with birthday greetings in Irish on it.
After warmup and final words from their bainisteoiri, the teams lined up for the National Anthem played by the Newbridge Community Brass & Reed Band.
A full report on the match will appear on Kilcullen GAA's website. The result is now history, but a great day out was had by all, and the impetus it gave to both the club and the town will live on beyond defeat.
