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23 Oct 2025
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23 Oct 2025
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Colin, Deirdre, Margaret, Gerry, Michael, Paul, Declan and Ciaran Lyons at a beautiful plaque dedicated to the memory of Gerard Lyons I PICTURE: Brendan Gleeson
A MEMORABLE day in the social and sporting life of Caherconlish took place on Saturday afternoon when the revamped Caherconlish AFC grounds at Gragane were named in memory of four-year-old Gerard Lyons.
It was officially named Gerard Lyons Memorial Park in remembrance of a local boy who passed away following an accident on the opening day of the 1983 soccer season.
Prospect FC were the opponents on that fateful day 42 years ago and on Saturday, a special game was played between Caherconlish AFC and Prospect to mark the poignant occasion.
The committee and volunteers were very busy in the days beforehand to ensure the day was a complete success but it has been years in the making.
The primary pitch in use up to recent times was on a slope but now this playing area has been levelled/grassed and with dugouts put in place for players. All the grounds including a new entrance are ring fenced with high quality fencing and a ball safety net is also installed. Off road parking area with solid groundwork is a welcome addition.
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Speaking to the Leader, Cian Hunt, originally from Kildimo and chairperson of Caherconlish AFC, said: “This has been a good few years in the making.
“The Caherconlish community spirit has been shown as people have been taking time out, helping out with fundraising for things like jerseys, footballs, and other equipment.
“It takes up an awful lot of time for the people who help out, and the trainers, who are people with kids and full-time jobs.”
Chairman of Caherconlish AFC for three years, Cian expressed the pride he has in the community coming together for this overdue improvement; “Words won’t do it justice. This is an investment in the future of the club. And now there is always going to be a place for kids to play ball.”
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Gerard Lyons Memorial Park is now one of the best pitches in the country, compared to the temporary pitch the club had been using — a field lent by local farmers.
The Caherconlish community came together as one to support the club and the family of Gerard Lyons, who attended the open day and cut the ribbon.
A flower bed has been placed at the entrance to the pitches, with a rock and plaque in Gerard’s memory.
Michael Lyons, brother of Gerard, spoke emotionally on behalf of the Lyons family.
He expressed his thanks to the club for remembering Gerard and naming the park in his honour.
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