Marianne Costello Shield heading West

The second annual Marianne Costello Memorial Shield took place recently at St. Peregrines C.L.G. Marianne was a promising Gaelic footballer whose fledgling career and young life were cut tragically short in an accident in November 2004. Determined that her spirit be remembered in a manner that befitted her life, her teammates and club members began this initiative last year and it is already accepted as a permanent fixture on the club’s calendar.

As Marianne’s father Richie, a former club chairman, remarked at the presentation ceremony, players and spectators enjoyed ‘the four seasons of weather’ on the day. A total of ten teams took part in the competition, including Marianne’s former St. Peregrine’s team mates. Dublin clubs Clan na Gael Fontenoy, Croi ro Naofa, Cuala, Ballyboden St. Enda’s, Ballymun Kickhams, St. Margarets and Castleknock made the journey to Blakestown road, as did County Meath neighbours Dunboyne and Mayo side Kilmovee Shamrocks.

Teams were divided into groups and the first games got underway at 10.00 in adjacent Hartstown Park on the Briarwood, Hartstown, Oakview and Camoige pitches. By the semi-final stage, it was left with Kilmovee Shamrocks v St. Peregrine’s and Clan na nGael Fontenoy Vs. Ballymun Kickhams. These games were played on the main pitch at St Peregrine’s.

Kilmovee and Clan na nGael emerged to contest the final This was especially so considering the intensity and pace of the games won by Kilmovee and Clan na Gael with the Mayo side, from the native heath of Marianne’s father, emerging victorious. The entire day was a success and a tribute to the energy of the various teams.

But perhaps the most fitting tribute on the day came from Marianne Costello’s former team mates which was printed in the match day programme: Our memory of Marianne as a player is of a fearless footballer who pushed herself to the limit, forever wanting to be better, faster and stronger and always doing it with grace, poise and confidence.

She drove herself to perfection on the pitch and made everyone of her team mates better for it. As a friend, she always had time for everyone and was always willing to share a joke and a laugh. She had so much to offer both on and off the pitch. We will always be honoured that we had the opportunity to call her our friend and team mate. She is greatly missed by us all and her enthusiasm and dedication will continue to inspire us every time we step onto the pitch.

 

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