It was with deep sadness that the people of the area learned of the death of Mattie Feeney of Athenry and late of Grange. Mattie was one of Turloughmore's greatest hurlers and one of the founders of Coolarne hurling team in 1935. Mattie was one of the people mainly responsible for introducing the legendary black and white jersey to the parish. He had attended school at St Joseph's Cistercian College, Roscrea and, after Monard team disbanded in the early 30's, and Coolarne started in 1935, many of the students from the area who had attended Roscrea college with Mattie Feeney, brought home more and more black and white jerseys to make an almost complete set. The balance for the purchase of the complete set of was paid lor eventually by the then local doctor, the late Dr Joyce. Mattie Feencepionship Medals in 1943 when Coolarne defeated Cussane at Monivea. The game was played in 1944 and it was described as a hard, fast game that kept the spectators on edge all through the hour, it was rated one of the best junior finals ever. The Tuam Herald at the lime stated, ''Coolarne had the pull at centre field where Mattie Feeney was in sparkling form." Mattie Feeney was joined at centre field on the day by Michael Joe Badger and Coolarne defeated Cussaune by 6 - 1 to 3 - 5 to bring the first major title to the parish since 1907. Mattie Feeney was one of four brothers who played with Coolarne and he captured a second Galway Junior Championship medal with St Vincent's - an amalgamation of Coolarne and Cregmore - in 1949 when they defented Craughwell by 4 - 6 to 2 - 10 to bring the O'Regan Cup back to the parish. Mattie Feeney was also an accomplished footballer and played for the county junior football team in 1948, winning many North Board and West Board medals in both codes during his long and distinguished career. Mattie Feeney had kept a log of every team he played with and every game he played. Even though he lived in Athenry for most of his life after he completed his hurling career, Mattie never lost interest in Turloughmore or the hurling of the parish he cherished. He always acknowledged the massive achievements of his adopted Athenry in recent years and he remained an astute follower of the game of hurling. Mattie will be sadly missed around Athenry. His remains were removed from Quinn's Funeral Home in Athenry to the Church of the Assumption, Athenry and he was buried in Athenry cemetery beside his wife Brigid Glynn who died last year. The people of the area extend sincere sympathy to his daughters Mary and Ann; brother in laws. grand children, nephews, nieces and extended family and friends. Courtesy of The Connacht Tribune February 2002 Tweet

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