Congratulations to Christophers GAA of Boston Massachusetts, on winning the Senior Football Championship for the first time in their 22 year history. A powerful second half performance against Shannon Blues brought victory on a scoreline of 0-14 to 0-08, on Sunday last.

The club has close ties to our own, having been formed by Newmarket man Donie Kenneally along with Noel Keane, Peter Heslin and Vinny Moore in 1987, in memory of Christopher Sweeney, originally of Sarsfields Kildare, who tragically died in a car accident in West Roxbury, Boston. The first chairman was Newmarket man Willie Joe O’Connor and the first team manager was Nicky Kenneally. And the clubs colours, Red & Black.

The club found success early on, winning the Junior Championship in 1988 and the Intermediate Championship 1992 and 1995, but they had to wait until last Sunday to win the top title, Senior Champions.

Over the years many Newmarket men have played for Christophers including; Donie Kenneally, Paudie Kenneally, Willie Joe O’Connor, Vincent Twomey, Arthur O’Shea, Mark O’Sullivan, John Fitzpatrick, Colin Stack, Brian Daly and Jerry McCarthy.

Mark will collect another medal this year. Having scored two goals in the semi-final against the reigning Boston and North American Champions Aiden McAnespies, it was his defensive qualities that were needed on Sunday, blocking a certain goal in the final stages.

So congratulations to all involved including Mark and especially Donie who had three sons, Paudy, Jerry and Captain Danny on the 2009 team, and best of luck next weekend in the North American Finals.

See the Thar an Trasnán website for a report of last Sunday’s historic final.

Christophers Abú