Spa lauds one its GAA greats

SPA GAA Club lost a huge character and a true legend with the recent passing of Paddy Dennehy, Kilbrean.
Paddy's arrival to Kilbrean in 1958 coincided with a lean period in the GAA in Spa with the club actually becoming defunct for a three-year period, from 1959 to 1962.
An outstanding minor player on the fringe of the Kerry minor panel during the early 1950's, Paddy soon joined the band of younger players in those memorable seven-a-side Sunday evening games in Jack Doherty's pit.

In the absence of a club in Spa, he joined a number of Spa players that assisted St Finans in East Kerry competitions.
Following the success of Naomh Mhuire in the East Kerry national school's Competitions, a number of promising young players emerged. This prompted the revival of Spa GAA club in March 1962 with Paddy Dennehy acting both as a secretary and as the club East Kerry Board delegate.

Following the success pf the Spa/Glenflesk minor amalgamation, a decision was taken in March 1966 for Spa to enter the highly competitive East Kerry League for the O'Donoghue Cup.
On September 3, 1966, a landmark victory was achieved in the final against Kilcummin with Paddy Dennehy scoring the goal that was to decide the issue in the 20th minute of the game.

At the September meeting of the East Kerry board it was decided to initiate a district championship with Spa drawn against a formidable Dr Crokes side in the opening round. With the teams deadlocked in the 25th minute, it was a marvellous 50-metre point by Paddy that was to, again, decide the issue in favour of Spa, who went on to defeat Gneeveguilla in the final on Easter Sunday 1967.

When his playing days were over, Paddy continued to immerse himself in the affairs of the club, both as an active committee member and a selector with the very successful teams of the 1970, which won numerous East Kerry and county titles.
A man of quiet and easy disposition who always felt that action speaks louder than words, as a gesture of their appreciation of his contribution, Spa GAA Club members formed a guard of honour at his funeral while the number 14 jersey he wore with distinction adorned his coffin.

Paddy, may the sod lay lightly on your breast. Your memory will live long in the annals of the GAA in the Spa.
By John Kelly (Spa GAA Club PRO)

Courtesy of the Kingdom 30/11/10 Tweet

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