Photos & Report of the official opening of The Beasey\’s Way

Official opening of the Beasey;s Way

Saturday June 25th will not be forgotten for a while by those who attended the Official opening/unveiling of the Beasey\’s Way walking track and monument in Fr.Dowling Park . The gods were certainly looking down on us as somehow magically the heavy showers crossing the country stayed away from Rhode until the event was over. At 3:30pm cars of people flooded in to remember the late great John Beasey Glennon traveling from inside and outside the county of Offaly. At 4pm the Scene was set to get the event underway and the Club secretary Eoghan Hickey who acted as Mc got it going, Speakers on the day were Club Chairman John Kilmurray, Assistant Club Chairman Richie Glennon (Speaking on behalf of the Glennon Family) Offaly Chairman Michael Duignan , Assistant Offaly Chairman James Murphy, Leinster GAA Chairman Pat Teehan & Deacon Gary Moore who gave the prayers and blessed the monument and walking track Also on Stage as part of the officials were Club President Paddy McCormack and Club PRO Robert Kellaghan . All spoke eloquently and passionately about the person John Glennon was as a hard working, loyal servant to Rhode & Offaly GAA as well as being a wonderful confidant and friend to all who were lucky to know him. One thing that was made abundantly clear was John Glennon will never be forgotten and his name will always be in the mouths, minds and hearts of all who knew him and the Monument so excellently designed and built will be a lasting legacy to ensure exactly that . It was an emotional day for many but also a day of celebration of Beasey and all he did for us. THe last act of the Day was the unveiling and cutting of the Ribbon that covered the monument and adjoined to the track. Leinster GAA chairman and Johns Sister Breda Guing had the honours of cutting the ribbon and as they did a massive clap went up from the couple of hundred that were present, People were then invited to have a cup of tea in the dressing rooms and then to Killeens lounge where was live music and finger food. . Many people stayed around to look at the plaque and get photos . A great night was then held in Killens Lounge where a chat, craic and a sing song was had . A massive thank you to all who contributed to making the day a massive Success especially Leinster GAA Chairman Pat Teehan, Offaly Chairman Michael Duignan and Offaly Vice Chairman James Murphy for their attendance including our own club Officials John Kilmurray , Eoghan Hickey and Club President Paddy McCormack . Massive thank you also to Fr.Greg Corcoran and Deacon Gary Moore for their help and guidance and also supplying the sound system, Tracey Murphy and her helpers Patricia McManus and Orla Klmurray looked after tea and refreshments . Michael Kilmuuray for the stage, James Murphy for the Stairs, Mary Dillon and Rhode community centre for tables and chairs Colm & Cathiona Killeen and staff for their service and food, members of the committee who looked after the parking . Key to any event is our local Media who we are lucky to have a good working relationship with. Thank you for your support with this event, especially your photographer Ger Rogers and also John Gorry from Clonbullogue who took photos to share with us on the day. Finally we get down to those that made the event and monument possible Dermot Quinn Boston America who made a generous donation that covered all the costs, Bill glennon for digging and assistance of the construction, Shane Coughlan & BD Flood for the foundation, Roy Malone of Road Stone & Eden Decor both of whom supplied/ donated materials for the wall. Assistant Chairman Richie Glennon PRO Robert Kellaghan with great help from Club Secretary Eoghan Hickey got the planning underway in March to mark the beaseys contribution following Ger Noonans motion which had passed at the Club agm that the walking track be named after John . The massive time and effort that was put in finally came to fruition on Saturday last. What can be said about Ciaran Curley for the massive work he put into the designing and building of the amazing monument especially on a voluntary basis. A truly amazing craftsman and as a club we will be forever grateful to you for what you did for us. To Martin & Fidelma Nolan thank you for producing and donating the fabulous plaques you both were always on the other end of the phone when needed. The working together of Ciaran , Richie and Martin made it easy to ensure we got everything done right Special mention to all the Glennon Family(Brothers, Sisters and extended family) who thankfully were all able to be in attendance thank you for your support throughout in making it happen, We hope it gives you all a small bit of comfort . Lastly a lovely commemorative booklet that was put together and available for those who were unable to join us last Saturday in our local shops and pubs. There are some lovely contributions in it . ??

Photos ? (Credit To Johnny Gorry)