A star was born

Dear Editor,

I have written before of my interest in hunting and coursing in my youth and of how, as the years moved on, I have come to realise the terrible cruelty that is inherent in the pursuit I once loved.

I have said it is never too late to change and, just as my Dad before me, I can now acknowledge the importance of the campaign that Pat Phelan spearheaded locally to ban such cruel country sports and the Trojan work undertaken by Nuala McNamara who cared for abandoned and maltreated animals in her animal shelter at her home.

I, like many others, was a strong defender and supporter of this unnecessary cruelty, and while I enjoyed it at the time, it is something I now regret. To those who pursue such activities, I again say it is never too late to change your mind and to do the right thing. It is time to abolish coursing, fox hunting, otter hunting etc. They are evil - I have seen the horrific cruelty that’s involved.

Horse racing and greyhound track racing are both acceptable in my book. So again - please, do the right thing!

I am keeping my fingers crossed that come next spring, there will be an All-Star Award handed to Laura Hayes, who has been acknowledged as ‘ the most improved player’ in camogie this year. Here is a St Catherine’s player who I just acknowledged as ‘ good’, not realising the superstar she was becoming. Catherine’s young players will look up to Laura and the other greats like Finola and Aoife, all of whom I greatly admire in that club. Well done Laura!

I am 75 years old and must say I am feeling my age, dogged by stiffness and other ailments, but still I carry on. Thanks to those who drop me a line every now and again - your kind thoughts and wishes are very much appreciated.

What really hurts is the realisation that I may not be able to visit some of my great friends and have a Ballygowan or a cup of tea in The Long Bar on Barrack Hill or down in Conna at The Winner’s Enclosure. That is life I suppose, but that said I stubbornly live in hope.

Believe it or not, but if I had my life to live over, I would most likely become a priest, just like my good friend Fr Billy O’Donovan (Conna). He and I were good pals in St Colman’s all those year ago, but the severe beatings and the sheer physical abuse I was subjected to there, depleted whatever vocation I may have had. Again, just one of the things that might have been.

I would like to pay tribute to two great footballers from Glanworth or ‘ The Harbour’ as it’s better known to you and me. I refer to Jas Cummins (Labbacallee) and his cousin Thomas Cummins - two great bits of stuff. Jas is six years my senior, making him 81. He was an All-Ireland junior football medal winner with Billy McAuliffe in 1970 and in the 60s, was a dual All-Ireland Cross Country winner.

Thomas was born in 1976 and was 18 when I taught him in Coláiste. The difference between the two is that Jas was a stayer, sticking with, and excelling in, his chosen sports while Thomas who was absolutely gifted, gave it all up. What a pity that was, as he was hugely promising. Again - one has to say what might have been. I would like to extend continued good health and best wishes to both of them.

Yester-me, Yester-you, Yester-day.

I remain, Yours sincerely, Tom McAuliffe, Cluain Dara, Fermoy.