CLUB OF THE WEEK  MOYVANE BY CLUB SECRETARY AINE CRONIN P R O CHARLENE MULVIHILL

Although records have still to confirm when the club was first established, we know that Moyvane, then named Newtownsandes, played a County Championship game in 1900. In the early years games were sporadic but in 1924 Newtownsandes was one of six clubs affiliated to the newly formed North Kerry Board. In 1925 the first North Kerry Championship took place with the final of Newtowsandes v Faha being penned in the media as the North Kerry All-Ireland. Newtowsandes won the game and so began their proud tradition of winning the most Senior North Kerry Championship titles which currently stands at 18. Moyvane, known locally as the Boro, has competed in Senior North Kerry Finals in every decade, from the 1920s up to and including the 2000  with their last title and final appearance in 2003 against Castleisland Desmonds. In total, the club has competed in 29 Finals. Moyvane has also notched up titles in the Junior Club Championship in 1982 against Ardfert and in the Novice Club Championship in 2006 against Na Gaeil. They have also competed in all five divisions of the Senior County League with their best performances coming in the 1970s when they reached the Division 1 League Final, narrowly losing out to Austin Stacks. The club has won 2 Minor North Kerry Championships and 1 U21 North Kerry Championship along with winning North Kerry Intermediate and Junior finals through the years. 2020 marked the 25 year anniversary of Moyvane’s 16 th Senior North Kerry Championship title. Although the club was unable to celebrate this great achievement in style due to Covid - 19, it is hoped to do so in the near future. The final, played in Finuge and with the late Eddie Anthony Walsh in charge as referee, saw Moyvane overcome a fancied Listowel Emmets side to win the game on a score of Moyvane 1-11, Listowel Emmets 0-6. After a blistering start Moyvane were leading 0-8 to 0-2 at half time. Keeping up the pressure in the second half Moyvane fought for every ball. A mighty effort from the backs along with a great performance from midfield and some excellent scores from the forwards led to a joyous victory at the final whistle. The team, subs, scorers and management are as follows: Team: Noel Stackpoole, Jackie Mulvihill, Maurice Mulvihill, Joe O’ Keeffe, Eamon Stack (Captain), Mike Scanlon, Tom Sheehy (0-1), Maurice Kearney (0-3)(1f) (Man of the Match), Donal Kearney (0-1), Paschal Sweeney (0-4)(4f), Johnny Stack, Sean Shine, David Moloney (0-1), Edward O’ Connor (0-1) and Mike Mulvihill. Subs: Neilus Mulvihill, Mike Broderick (1-0), DJ Mulvihill, Sean Walsh, Pat O’ Keeffe, Johnny Leahy, Maurice Kennelly, Iain Kennelly, Declan Kennelly, Oliver Carmody, Mike Mulvihill and Aidan McEnery. The team manager was Paddy Mulvihill and his selectors were Denis O’ Connor and Liam Hanrahan. Over the years the Moyvane Club has had many strong administrators at District, County and Provincial level. The club has been lucky that all elected officers both past and present have been dedicated and passionate about Moyvane GAA and always worked diligently for the advancement and benefit of the club and parish. The club has also had many of our fine footballers don the Kerry jersey at all Inter County levels. The Moyvane club was well represented in all of Feale Rangers 3 Senior County Championship titles, both on the field and through management and training roles. Coiste na nÓg has a very important place in the history of Moyvane GAA. Dedicated administrators, mentors and parents have helped to insure that young talent is nurtured and encouraged on a yearly basis. Team mentors are entrusted with the guidance and development of our future players. The club is currently enjoying the spoils of their strong underage structure with all age group excelling in their respective competitions. We are lucky to be currently in the position of fielding all of our underage teams without amalgamation. Its not only on the playing fields that Moyvane GAA has excelled. Scór is important in Moyvane at all levels and the club were proud to be represented in the All Ireland Scór Finals on two occasions. In 2002 Tara Mulvihill reached the Scór na nÓg final while in Senior Scór our Ballad Group of Elaine Foley, Sinead Dore, Susan Groarke, Josephine Moloney and Aine Cronin competed in the final in 2010. Our Scór na bPaistí participants currently carry on Moyvane's Scór tradition. Having purchased the sports field in 1964, Moyvane set about funding its development by means of an annual carnival during which a successful tournament was held each year. In the GAA centenary year of 1984, on June 17th, County Chairman Frank King officially opened the Con Brosnan Memorial Park. In 2004 further development was carried out with the inclusion of a new stand, dressing rooms and club room. In 2006 the stand was officially opened and dedicated to Moyvane’s Cormac O’ Leary, former president of the Kerry Supporters Club. Recent developments at Con Brosnan Park include dedicating the club room to the memory of Patrick Curtin, constructing a new entrance and a complete resurface of the main pitch. Hopefully these enhancements will be enjoyed by players and supporters of the Boro for years to come.