St Marys host Seanie Walsh Hurling Shield
St. Marys hurling club are hosting a hurling tournament to honour one of its former players, Seanie Walsh. Seanie is 26 years old and is a native of Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. He lived in Carrick-on-Shannon in 2006 and 2007 and worked as a biomedical engineer with VistaMed Ltd.. During his time in Leitrim Seanie played hurling and football with the St. Marys club and won a county senior hurling championship medal in 2006 lining out at left corner back against Glencar Manor. Seanie also played senior inter county hurling with Leitrim and played in both national league and Nicky Rackard competitions. He was a very dedicated player during his time in Leitrim and his versatility meant he played in most defensive positions as well as centre field. He was always committed to playing with St Marys and Leitrim and he gave total effort in every game he played. He also helped out in the coaching of the clubs juveniles, and was very popular and respected by all who knew him.
Seanie left Ireland in 2007 and spent time in Japan and New Zealand before moving to Sydney, Australia in November 2008. He continued to remain active in GAA affairs and played football and hurling with the Michael Cusacks club in Sydney.
Earlier this year the news emerged that Seanie has gone missing from his Randwick home in Sydney and he has not been seen since the 10th of May last. He was due to fly home to his family in Dungarvan on 12th May but, unfortunately, that trip never materialised. He is missing since that time and despite the efforts of his heartbroken family there is still no trace of his whereabouts.
St Marys hurling club feel that a hurling tournament in Seanies honour would be very fitting at this time and are organising a senior 9 aside tournament on Saturday October 31st. The competition will start at 11am with the final scheduled for 4.30pm. This inaugural competition is confined to eight teams. St. Marys, Glencar/Manor, Gortlettragh, Sean OHeslins, Athleague, Mullahoran, Coolera/Strandhill and Dungarvan have been invited to take part. The competition will be staged at the magnificent Sean OHeslins complex in Ballinamore. All proceeds from the tournament and associated raffles will go towards a fund in Seanies honour.
The competition is sanctioned by Croke Park and should provide a fitting tribute to Seanies zest for sport in general and hurling in particular. All of Seanies many friends in Leitrim miss Seanie very much and hope that this competition will go some way in honouring our dear friend and colleague.
23-Oct-09 by Hurling Board
