A football club is an organisation which can only grow and prosper through the years if those involved take it upon themselves to leave it in a better place for the generations which follow. Over the course of the year’s Seneschalstown GFC have had many characters like this and it is in this category that the contribution of Kevin Farrell can safely be placed.
The Farrell family will forever be synonymous with the club and indeed their involvement can be traced back to the 1930’s as back in 1932 after Fr. Marry C.C. had issued an appeal to start a football team in the parish, the Farrell family provided a field which they could use for matches.
In these days, there would have been no Minor side in the club meaning Kevin would have had to look elsewhere to play his football and so it was that he ended up playing for and winning a Minor County Championship with De La Salle. Clearly a footballer of some talent he also lined out for the Meath Minors for whom he proudly donned the no.3 jersey.
As time moved on the search for a suitable area for playing games continued and in 1960 Kevin provided a field at Seneschalstown Cross for the use of the club. Games were played on this field until 1966 with many of the foundations of the Intermediate success of 1967 laid on Farrell’s field.
When Kevin hung up his boots he soon turned into one of the best supporters around for both club and county and there would rarely be a game which he wasn’t at as he cheered on his beloved Seneschalstown and Meath. Indeed, many a game or player would have been discussed at the different shows where he showcased his prized Hereford Cattle.
There were many successful journeys home from these shows and following one such trip Kevin donated a trophy which became known as the Kevin Farrell Cup to the club and for which a tournament was run for many years as clubs contested to win what was very much a sought-after prize.
In his later years Kevin while unable to attend as many games as he did previously, still maintained a keen interest in how his teams at club and county were getting on. Wherever he went you could be guaranteed that LMFM would be on the radio as he listened out for the big game commentary of Brendan Cummins and Mattie Kerrigan. Any post-match conversation would be guaranteed to include some of what Mattie had to say with not a word missed over the duration of the match.
As somebody who took great delight from seeing a Seneschalstown side bring home a trophy, whether it be men’s, ladies or juvenile, Kevin in the last couple of years was thrilled when members of the club brought some of the cups which they had won to visit him. In particular he took great delight from being brought the Fr. Tully Cup which the Junior B’s won in 2015 as well as the U-17 Division 2 Cup in 2016 which three members of the victorious side visited him with.
A man whose love of sport was wide ranging, Kevin also played cricket with both Deanhill and Bellew in his younger days while the winter time saw him enjoy many days out following the hunt around the Royal County.
Those currently involved with Seneschalstown are standing on the shoulders of the people who went before them and it’s safe to say that in Kevin’s case they’re standing on the shoulders of a man who did whatever he could possibly do for his club.
It is somewhat ironic that in the year they are looking forward to having the use of a second pitch that the contributions over the years of the man who provided a playing field for a number of years be acknowledged.
Predeceased by his wife Aurelita, we extend our sympathies to Kevin’s daughter Bernadette, son in law Sean, sister Ita, nephews Paul, Ultan, Fergus, Dominic and all his extended family.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam uasal.
*** Funeral Arrangements***
Kevin will repose at his daughter Bernadette’s house from 14:00-21:00 this evening (Tuesday) with his requiem mass taking place in Yellow Furze on Wednesday at 11:00. He will then be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
