Appreciation: George Mitchell

'He never forgot the Rags'George Mitchell started work as a baker in O’Connells Bakery of Kilcullen in the late 50s and when O’Connells ceased production he moved to Crottys of Carlow where he worked for 37 years.

During his time in Carlow he still played with Kilcullen GAA team. He was on the only Kilcullen team to reach a senior football final in 1962 where they were defeated by Moorefield. George was an outstanding player and during those days he was a member of the Kildare senior team and one day in a game against, ironically, Carlow he scored two goals and four points. Although in later years he played with O'Hanranhans in Carlow and Graiguecullen in Laois, he never forgot the Rags and returned to play out the later end of his career with Kilcullen.

He loved Kilcullen as a place and was frequently back to visit his brothers Willie and Paddy, and when they passed on he still visited some friends and Kathleen Mitchell (Willie's Wife) in St Bridget’s Ave.

George suffered a stroke eight weeks ago but seemed to be recovering. However, a heart attack last week saw him pass away on Friday 26 April. We buried George in New Abbey on Monday and he would have been proud to see the number of old team mates, and some younger folk as well, form a guard of honour on his final journey.

George, we will really miss you. Go ndeana Dia Trocaire Ar a Anam. MW.