Frank Gooney RIP.

The parish and GAA community of Moycarkey Borris feel the loss of a great mentor and gentleman with the passing of our Juvenile Club President Frank Gooney RIP.
The ‘Moycarkey Borris GAA story’ recounts the Mid and County Minor Hurling Title Wins of 1972 and modestly notes that ‘The team was trained by Frank Gooney’.
But Frank Gooney’s contribution to the growth and development of our young players in these years is far greater than any County title or the notable achievements of these players at Senior level. He nurtured their interest, encouraged their efforts, developed their skills, and made playing enjoyable. The players of that era still recall Frank taking training in a waistcoat, boots and socks pulled up over his trousers and sprinting the length of the field with him. Far from being a bossy trainer Frank never used crude language or raised his voice. He set the standards for his players with his own exemplary behaviour and courtesy. The players remember his overcrowded Morris Minor and the Choc-Ice for each player on the way home. Frank was a team player, humble and self effacing on a high achieving Juvenile Committee with Fr. Harkin, Paddy Cooney, Johnny Ryan (TMB), Paddy Bourke and Der. Shanahan. In today’s hurling so focused on tactics and strength & conditioning etc., great personal social skills like Frank’s are still essential in coaching and team management.
Frank was a lifetime ever present at Moycarkey Borris games, whatever the grade or age level he would be there. He loved going to games and generously appreciated the efforts of every player on the field.
Frank lived all his life in the homestead of a great GAA family in Ballytarsna but his extended family included all his former players, neighbours, and the GAA family.
Our sincere sympathies to Jack, Ollie, Betty and all his family and friends.
‘Nì bheidh a leithéad ann arìs’