Cork and Tipperary to re-enact 1916 Munster Final
A special memorial with Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh will be held to remember the life and career of Kerry Footballing legend John Egan in Reardens bar on April 10th.
The reception will take place straight after a special 1916 exhibition hurling match at the Mardyke between a Cork and Tipperary XV who will don vintage jerseys while playing with 1916 replica hurleys.
Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh will be present on the day to speak about the evolution of the GAA throughout the years and the legendary broadcaster will also reminisce about one of Kerry’s finest players. John Egan won six All-Ireland’s and five All Stars before his sudden death on April 8th 2012 with former teammate Pat Spillane once describing Egan as “a warrior” and “one of the greatest corner forwards ever to play the game.”
Speaking about Egan’s legacy Mícheál said: “He was a very special player for the Kingdom - so versatile and could alternate between positions. If you had only one player from that great team to show to a younger generation, John Egan would be the man as he had a football brain and used it every time he stepped out on to the pitch. I don’t think he was lacking in any attribute and I would certainly have him on my all-time greatest Kerry XV.”
It is expected that a large number of John’s team mates will come along to the memorial event to pay tribute and share their memories of playing with him.
Looking ahead to the re-enactment of the 1916 Munster Hurling Final Mícheál added: “Credit must be given to the Reardens Group for holding this match 100 years after the two teams met. Gaelic Games held a special significance during this time as both hurling and football were symbolic of Irish identity.”
Speaking about the game and memorial Paul Montgomery, publican and owner of Reardens Group said: “This will be a fantastic celebration of Gaelic games, the 1916 Rising and the life of a true Kerry GAA legend. After the game we will have a special display of memorabilia belonging to John and I encourage all GAA fans to come out to support this unique match and honour the memory of a truly great man.”
The throw in for the hurling match will take place at 3pm at the Mardyke, with the John Egan memorial commencing after the match in Reardens Bar, Washington Street at 5:30pm, free admission to both events.