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KILLARNEY ATHLETIC AC paid tribute to its founder, Don Harrington, on a sun-splashed Thursday evening at its club grounds at Woodlawn. Don unveiled a commemorative plaque in a picture-perfect setting on the banks of the River Flesk. The plaque acknowledges him as the man who founded the club in 1965.

Don also presented the Monica Harrington Memorial Cup to Colette Casey for her outstanding commitment and dedication to the club. The cup is dedicated to the memory of Don’s wife Monica. “I will never forget the kindness and support I received from the club and all of you at the passing of my dear wife Monica last year. It is hard for me to feel that over 12 months have gone by since then,” said Don.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to present the Monica Harrington Memorial Cup for the second time, this time to Colette Casey, another lady committed and dedicated to Killarney Athletic Club just like Mary McCarrick last year.”

Donagh Gleeson, Pat Doody and John Sparling, who were part of the Athletic teams in the early years, attended as well as members representing all five decades of the club thereafter.

Don's sister Esther also travelled from England for the occasion with many of Monica’s family from Cork also present.

Mike O’Sullivan recalled the significance of what Don had done and achieved in forming a soccer club in Killarney in 1965 as a 19-year-old garda. “I would like to acknowledge the support and encouragement that Don must have received from his colleagues in the Killarney station at the time,” said Mike.

Mike also acknowledged the generosity of spirit shown by the late John McShain (RIP) through his solicitor Michael Casey (RIP) in granting Don permission to use a part of his land in the Half-Moon field for a soccer pitch. “That link still remains there today through the support of the Killarney National Park as the club continue with the use of a pitch in the Knockreer playing field,” said Mike.

Club chairman Mike O’Shea said he was delighted to honour Don with the unveiling of the plaque. “Meeting and getting to know Don over the past year has inspired me greatly,” he said.

Also to mark the occasion Mike on behalf of the club presented Don with a keepsake award that was kindly sponsored by Tom Tobin, another former member of the force and chairman of the club.

As a 19-year-old, Don joined the Killarney Garda Division in 1965 and this proved to be the milestone for the foundation of the first organised and affiliated soccer club in town.

“Don’s posting to Killarney was never intended to be for the promotion of soccer in the area at a time when the ‘infamous ban’ existed on those who played and promoted the ‘playing of foreign games’, but his enthusiasm for the game linked to his dedication to community service brought him in contact with the youth in Killarney,” said Mike O’Sullivan.

Don later worked with the West Yorkshire Police force where he served for 35 years, reaching the rank of superintendent.
 

 
Killarney Athletic unveiled a commemorative plaque in honour of founding member Don Harrington at the Killarney Athletic Club grounds in Woodlawn on Thursday night. Pictured is Killarney Athletic Chairman Mike O'Shea displaying the plaque with Don Harrington, who also presented the memorial cup in honour of the late Monica Harrington to club officer Colette Casey. PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH