Spare a thought for Philly

I was as shocked as anyone over the death of Leitrim footballer Phillip (Philly) McGuinness this week. His tragic death occurred when he was playing the game he loved. A freak collision with an opponent's knee causing his untimely death. His death at the tender age of 26 is a big loss not only for Leitrim GAA but the GAA as a whole, not to mention the loss to his family and friends.

To quote the Irish Independent - 'Philly was 26 years old. Most of them were good years. He grew up in the Celtic Tiger era, when Leitrim, once a byword for poverty and emigration, thrived. Philly had his football. He also had a job as a mechanical engineer.' The very fact that Gaelic football isn't a particularly dangerous sport makes his death all the more tragic.

Like every young sportsman up and down the country Philly loved playing for his club first, in this case, Mohill. He played with the Mohill Club all his life and was a key player in their 2006 Senior Championship victory over St Mary's - the club's first since 1971.

From an early age, he was considered a special talent and played for Leitrim at all levels in both football and hurling, and first appeared on the senior panel in 2003 while still in his teens.

He was an accomplished hurler and played for the county on a number of occasions in the national league, but once called up to the Leitrim football panel, he began concentrating more on football.

Philly seemed to be a popular figure amongst friends and fans, his facebook page has become full of touching sentiments about him and his life - : “His short life was defined by decency, honesty, an inspiring tenacity and gentle humility. To all who mourn Philly we send our sincere sympathies.”

Leitrim football coaches Mickey Moran and John Morrison paid tribute to him at last night's funeral procession - MM: “He was the heart of our team, and I mean that. His happy demeanour and his attitude and his sense of humour gave him a very special place in our squad.

“And you know, it is easy to say nice words about someone after they die in terrible circumstances. But everything that has been said about Philly can be taken as gospel. He was a special young man. And I know it is going to be very hard for his parents and brother but I think they know that if anyone is looking for a role model in terms of how you would hope your son would turn out, Philly was it.”

It seems his memory will live on as the Connacht club championship cup has since been named after him. And his local ground Mohill football park – currently closed for renovation – will be named after Philip McGuinness when it is officially opened.

The internet is awash with people's sympathy for Phillip McGuinness, however for me the most touching can be found on the book of condolences set up by Leitrim GAA - http://www.leitrimgaa.ie/philly.php

'Philly, you were a team-mate and a friend to the Mohill GAA Men.... You were an inspiration and comrade to the Mohill Ladies GAA. You left Mohill on Saturday a fantastic player, you came home Tuesday a hero! Your memory lives on in our hearts.'

Catherine Scollan, Mohill

A video tribute to Phillip 'Philly' McGuinness -

http://www.leitrimgaa.ie/video.php?ut=11090373


Ar dheis De go raibh siad.