*Matthew Carmody, Catriona Carmody, Elaine Carmody, Ann Carmody, Michael Carmody and Lourda Carmody. Photograph: Tom Micks
DAMIEN CARMODY’s family have said they are “overwhelmed” with the support received for a memorial tournament which attracted hundreds to Doonbeg on Saturday and proved to be a “magnificent success”.
Shanahan McNamara Memorial Park was a hive of activity on Saturday for the inaugural Damien Carmody memorial tournament. The Moveen man died in a farm accident on 21st January 2021, five days after his first wedding anniversary. The tournament took place on what have been his fortieth birthday.
His wife Elaine was presented with a framed number twelve O’Curry’s jersey on Saturday, a jersey Damien wore with distinction for the club, the pinnacle coming when he captained them to win the Clare IFC for the third time in 2012.
Action on the field saw Doonbeg crowned winners of the inaugural tournament when they defeated O’Curry’s 3-10 0-7 in the final. First half goals from Darragh Burns and David Tubridy sent the senior side on their way as they led 3-5 0-2 at the interval, Michael Tubridy raised their third green flag in the second half while two excellent saves in either half from Eamonn Tubridy denied O’Curry’s a goal. Doonbeg had defeated Naomh Eoin in the semi-final with O’Curry’s overcoming St Senan’s Kilkee.
Thomas Clancy of O’Curry’s was selected as player of the tournament, he was presented with his award moments before Doonbeg captain Cian O’Mahoney lifted the Damien Carmody memorial trophy.
In the U13 competition, it was Damien’s nephew Max who stole the show. The seven year old picked up the man of the match award after scoring 0-3 when he was introduced from the bench as Western Gaels claimed the bragging rights over Doonbeg.
Fr Michael Casey conducted a blessing before the action while Charlie Killeen sung Amhrán na bhFiann.
Addressing the crowd in Doonbeg, Damien’s sister Lourda admitted, “We’re overwhelmed with the support”. She paid tribute to all participating clubs, the referees, Doonbeg for hosting and O’Curry’s club “for their support and generosity”.
Efforts of Michael Foran, Michael Carmody and Eoin Murray in making the event a success were singled out by Lourda plus the involvement of Damien’s nieces Elaine and Tara along with local photographer Patrick Keating.
She added, “we’re overwhelmed with the generosity from the community, thanks to everybody for coming and making this day so special. Damien would have loved today, he loved football, his family and his great many friends, happy birthday Damien and thanks everyone”.
Manager of the O’Curry’s intermediate football team, Dinny McMahon noted, “It is truly heart-warming to see so many faces gathered here to pay tribute to his life and his legacy. Damien was not only a talented athlete but he was also a kind-hearted and hard-working individual, he brought so much joy and excitement to the game, his passion for football was unreal. We will always remember his dedication, his sportsmanship and his courage both on and off the field. He touched the lives of so many, his memory will continue to live on”.
McMahon acknowledged Doonbeg for hosting the tournament plus Naomh Eoin and St Senan’s Kilkee for their participation. “Thanks to the Carmody family for arranging such a fitting tribute to Damien’s memory and a special thank you to his wife Elaine, organising such a magnificent event speaks great volumes of the impact that Damien had on all our lives”.
Former Clare senior football captain, Eoin Cleary who presented medals and picked the player of the tournament felt the event was “an unbelievable success”. He said, “When tragedy hits, it is tough to pick yourself up and do something like this but it is a day when everyone remembers Damien Carmody, they will tell stories about him tonight, those who knew him best are here today, it is great to see the support from the people of West Clare. I didn’t know Damien personally but from people who knew Damien that spoke about, when you’d ask them what was he like they’d smile before they go into talking about him which tells you how much of a character he was and how loved he was, the crowd today typifies that and the warmth people had towards Damien Carmody”.
Miltown Malbay man Cleary believed it was fitting the tournament took place in Doonbeg seeing as it was where Damien captained O’Curry’s to glory in 2012. “Today is perfect for Damien Carmody because he was a football man, he was a man who loved the craic and he was tough. The man I did know was the man you met on the football field, in fairness to him he left everything out there for O’Currys, you knew when you were playing against O’Currys and Damien Carmody that you were going to get a fierce battle. Himself and Michael on the field, they were brothers who always had each other’s back, one thing you knew for certain was that if you started a row with one of them, the other fella was going to be in on top of you within seconds. Well done to everyone on the success today, especially his wife Elaine, it is a tough thing to do but you have shown great courage to do this and I’m sure there will be loads of stories told about Damien tonight, he will be fondly remembered”.
