Football

Antrim GAA mourn loss of Pat Mullaney and other much-loved gaels

Rossa and Antrim stalwart Pat Mullaney
Rossa and Antrim stalwart Pat Mullaney Rossa and Antrim stalwart Pat Mullaney

PAT 'Battler' Mullaney, one of Antrim and Ulster's most accomplished hurlers, died last weekend.

The stylish forward also campaigned with distinction with the Belfast Rossa GAC.

He belonged to a 'Golden Age' of hurling - during the 1950's and early 1960's - and was a key performer for a rampant Rossa side that was the first team to clinch four successive Antrim Senior Hurling Championships, the opener in 1956.

The fabulous formation also paraded the uniquely-gifted dual county and provincial star, Seamus 'Stout' McDonald.

The legendary Mullaney was involved in some notable county conflicts, an era that included players such as Kevin Armstrong, Seamus Gallagher, Billy Feeney, Robbie and Brendan Elliott, Brendan 'The Bear' Donnelly, Bobby McMullan, Dessie Cormican, Paddy Morgan and Johnny Coyle.

One of the outstanding victories during which Mullaney produced inspired stick work was the NHL 7-4 to 5-5 win against mighty Kilkenny at Corrigan Park in 1953.

'Battler' was also heavily involved in Antrim's win of the All-Ireland Junior Hurling Championship of 1959.

The death of Pat Mullaney, once a competent and competitive amateur golfer at the Balmoral and Ballycastle Clubs, followed the recent passing of another ex-Antrim hurler of the 1950's - Pat Flynn of Belfast side Patrick Sarsfields.

And another popular west Belfast man and winner of an All-Ireland B Hurling medal with Antrim, former St Malachy's club member Malachy McGarvey also passed away this week.

GAA

County board chairman Michael McMahon in a wide-ranging address to the Monaghan Convention dealt almost entirely with domestic issues, but stressed a number of areas where he would be looking for improvement in 2020.

He placed particular emphasis on the abuse that referees and members of the competitions control committee were subjected to during the year.

He also announced a major review of the use of the facilities at the centre of excellence which would be undertaken early in the New Year.

With Francis Ward stepping down after three years as secretary , he was replaced by Michael Carroll, Rockcorry.

Officers elected:

Chairman: M O McMahon (Scotstown)

Vice-Chairman: D Flanagan (Cremartin)

Secretary: M Carroll (Rockcorry)

Asst Secretary: G Coyle (Emyvale)

Treasurer: E Keenan (Corduff)

Asst Treasurer: B Casey (Sean McDermotts)

Central Council Delegate: P Sherry (Drumhowan)

Ulster Council (2): J Connolly (Currin) & N Duffy (Drumhowan)

PRO: M Boyd (Cremartin)

Children’s Officer: J McArdle (Drumhowan)

Development Officer: M Carroll (Rockcorry)

Coaching Officer: A Trappe (Monaghan Harps)

Hurling Officer: A Morgan (Clontibret).