Philip Mc Guinness 29/02/1984 – 19/04/2010
When Philip Mc Guinness suffered a serious injury last Saturday in a Senior league match against Melvin Gaels, we in Mohill and Kinlough were hoping that he was just concussed and that he would quickly recover. We were very concerned when he was transferred from Sligo Hospital to Beaumont Hospital. On Sunday morning our worst fears were realised when news reached us that Philly suffered horrific brain injuries and was gravely ill. Phillys playing colleagues were devastated, disconsolate and inconsolable. Gloom descended on the whole locality. By lunch hour a convoy of cars bearing Phillys playing colleagues and friends was travelling to Dublin to offer support and comfort and support to Philomena, Phillys lovely gentle mother and to his brothers John and Michael and to visit and bid a last farewell to their injured colleague Philly. In the visiting room beside ICU ward the grief was palpable. One could not but be very impressed with Phillys playing colleagues for their solidarity, support and comforting of the family over the following days. They proved themselves to be young men of great character. A word of thanks to all visitors to the hospital and we are grateful to the members of the Melvin Gaels club who made the journey. Philip Mc Guinness went to his eternal reward on Monday afternoon and his family kindly donated his organs.
How does one pay tribute to Philip Mc Guinness or Philly as he was affectionately known? Philip was held in very high regard by all his team mates and mentors at club and County level.
He was a magnificent footballer. This is hardly surprising considering the sporting environment in which he was reared. His late father was a brilliant ball player as a footballer and hurler and this was acknowledged when Michael Mc Guinness was selected at full forward on the Leitrim Millennium team.
Michael instilled a love of Gaelic sports in his three sons who became great players; each of them wearing the Mohill and Leitrim jersey at all levels with pride and distinction. Philomena offered them great encouragement to develop their skills. The boys had a tyre against the wall and their was daily competition to see who could score most and when young Philly came along he proved to be most competitive.
Two club stalwarts, Tom Lynch and Gerry Bohan introduced Philly to team play at under 12 and 14 with dad Michael lending support. Peter Logan, John Dugdale and myself guided Philly through under 16, minor, under 21 and into senior football. Philly represented Leitrim at all underage levels and was acknowledged as one of the best young talents in the Provence when he was selected on the Connaught under 17 team to tour Australia in 2001.
The study was not neglected and after attending the local national school the three Mc Guinness brothers attended Drumshanbo Vocational school where their father was a brilliant and much loved science teacher. Here Philly continued his football prowess and also became a very accomplished volleyball player winning all Ireland titles with his school. Philly later attended Dublin Institute of Technology and qualified as an Engineer and for a number of years has been a valuable employee of Mercury Engineering based in Belmullet.
You might ask what qualities made Philly such a great player?
Simply he was a born player, a natural, extremely skillful, had perfected all the skills, an excellent two sided player and he had speed, agility, quickness, balance and good vision and was a tremendously brave competitor, displaying a never say die attitude.
I spoke briefly to the Leitrim team Manager Mickey Moran and suggested to him that Philly was a coachs dream, Mickey replied
"You know youd hardly know Philly was in the dressing room, but was transformed when he entered the playing arena"
Philly had a wonderful attitude and the more intensity there was in training the more Philly reveled in it. He was totally dedicated to his training and made the twice weekly journey from Belmullet to where ever Leitrim training took place, be it in Leitrim, Cavan, Mullingar often a round trip of up to 300 miles. His fitness levels were very high, he had a great engine which enabled him to cover acres of ground during games. I think its fair to say that Philly has been Leitrims outstanding performer for the past two years and at 26 years he still hadnt reached his peak – the best had yet to come, he had many years of great football in him. In his last game in the Leitrim jersey against Limerick, Philly was head and shoulders over every other Leitrim player on the field.
The highlight of his club career was probably winning a great County Senior Championship final in 2006. Philly was one of the stars that day and I am delighted that Philly had the memory of that brilliant victory to sustain him during the three and a half years of life left to him. The weight of history was on him that day as it bridged a thirty five year gap to 1971 when his father stared in the last Mohill team to win the Senior Championship.
To his playing colleagues Philly was a priceless treasure; always positive and encouraging, a born leader leading by example at all times and his infectious enthusiasm rubbed off on his colleagues. His commitment to his colleagues was total, unfailing and genuine. He had a tremendous rapport with his colleagues and his personal qualities were such that colleagues and opponents alike forged lasting bonds of friendship with him.
To the youngsters of Mohill and Leitrim Philly was the perfect role model, youngsters adored him, they all wanted to be Philly Mc Guinness.
Although Philly has gone from the sporting arena now, the enormous contribution he made to the GAA in Mohill and Leitrim is a lasting legacy to his memory
Away from the football field Philly was one of the most gracious, gentle and courteous of human beings who had time for everybody. He was shining example to all, his radiant smile, sense of fun and sense of humor endeared him to everybody and our lives have beenÓgreatly enriched by knowing him.
At this stage I would like to extend the clubs sympathy to the Mc Guinness family, to his lovely, gentle mother Phil, to his brothers John and Michael, aunts, uncle and cousins and to ensure them that we are all sharing in your grief and pain and I know that club members will be supportive in the difficult days and weeks and months ahead.
I would like to thank Fr. Hogan, the choir, Coiste Chontae Liatroma members for their outstanding support, the media, the staff of the Cannon Donohue hall, the caterers, members of An Garda Siochana. The support given by all football clubs in the county was heart warming and a great source of comfort to the family. Members of the Mohill club have been brilliant over the last few days in helping out where ever possible.
While mourning our tremendous loss we also celebrate Phillys life and we will always treasure the time we shared with him. We thank him for his friendship and his sporting prowess. The many wonderful memories we have of Philly are now our only consolation.
As we commit Phillys mortal remains to God we know that Philly will always be a football immortal in Mohill and Leitrim through his marvelous achievements on the sporting fields of Leitrim and further afield and for paying the ultimate price for the Gaelic games and the Association he loved so much.
It will take a long time for the people of Mohill and Mohill GAA club to recover from Phillys loss and I have no doubt that the club will honour Philly in some way to perpetuate his memory. Could I humbly suggest that when the remedial work is complete in Mohill GAA park next year it be reopened as The Philly McGuinness Memorial park.
Now as we say goodbye to a magnificent young man, to a prince of Mohill and Leitrim football, we bid farewell with a Shakespearean quote;
"Now cracks a brave heart
Goodnight sweet Prince and flights of Angels lead thee to they rest"
NÍ bheidh do leitheid ann Aris a Philip
Go nDeanidh Dia trocaire ar Do anim Dilis.
Matt Gaffey
Mohill
22/04/2010
26-Apr-10 by Leitirm GAA
Coiste Chontae Liatroma Meeting – 21 Jan 25 – How the Motions Fared22nd January 2025 - 7:52 pm
Scór – All Ireland Finals – Report
ScórA Historic win for the Bornacoola question time team with full marks of 60. Aidan Dockery, Liam Rabitte and Louise Staunton nailed the All-Ireland title with pride and exquisite knowledge after years of being pipped at the post, it made for a satisfactory and elating win. The other 5 acts through from Leitrim were not as fortunate. Glencar – Manor were strong as ever but the 8 ladies from Spa, Co Kerry danced their way to the podium in the judges eyes. Recitation was a close call between Louise Staunton from Bornacoola with her moving rendition of "the man who never had a visitor" but Paul Mescal from Maynooth clinched the title with his comedy act. Instrumental music was won by our neighbouring county Fermanagh, the derrygonnolly club seen off our own note perfect Leitrim Gaels. Ballad Group was the shocker of the evening with Clara from Offaly winning the title for the second year running, despite the standard being tooth and nail in this competition, it was felt that our very own St Marys had the crown but it was not to be. Novelty Act was also a tight one with very different aspects of comedy coming through the four provinces, Sean OHeslins performed to their usual witty and well delivered high standard won the audience vote but Mullingar Shamrocks lifted the title.
Overall it was a fantastic weekend with the Leitrim contingent occupying their favourite room in the Gleneagle on the Saturday night and the music and song went on to the small hours of the morning, which helped greatly to celebrate the bors fantastic win and soothe the disappointment of the results for the other 5 clubs.
Results:
Figure Dancing – Spa, Co Kerry
Solo-Singing – Claire Igoe, Corofin, Co Galway
Instrumental – Derrygonnolly, Co Fermanagh
Recitation – Paul Mescal, Maynooth, Co Kildare
Ballad Group – Clara, Co Offaly
Question Time – Bornacoola, Co Leitrim
Novelty Act – Mullingar Shamrocks, Co Westmeath
Set Dancing – Abbeyknockmoy, Co Galway
26-Apr-10 by Claire Crossan – PRO – Scor
CLG Liatroma – Appreciation
GeneralFollowing the tragic and untimely death of Philly McGuinness, Coiste Chontae Liatroma wishes to express its appreciation to our officials in Croke Park, Provincial Councils, County Boards and the wider G.A.A community for their wonderful support to us over the trying and tragic days of last week.
To our own executive, players and management of our senior panel, of which Philly was such a valued member, we are grateful for your cooperation and dignified presence throughout those difficult days.
To the Mohill club, our sincere sympathies; to your officials and players we thank you for the efficient way you handled all the affairs in relation to the removal, funeral and internment. We can never plan for such an event but the professionalism evident in your handling of media, provision of stewarding, food and parking facilities at such a sensitive time was greatly appreciated and admired.
To the clubs of Leitrim we express our thanks for your total cooperation in providing the guards of honour on all three days. Your attendance in such great numbers demonstrates the strength of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael and was a source of comfort to Phillys family at this time. We are also conscious of the emotional consequences evident in the Melvin Gaels club and we appreciate their involvement over the three days.
It has been a difficult time for players, clubs, officials and all who are involved in promoting sport. We are united in expressing our sympathies to all who knew Philly in whatever capacity and in particular his mother Phil, brothers John and Michael and his extended family.
Solas na bFlaitheas go raibh ar a anam dílis.
Phillys Page
26-Apr-10 by Leitirm GAA
Philip Mc Guinness – Oration
GeneralPhilip Mc Guinness 29/02/1984 – 19/04/2010
When Philip Mc Guinness suffered a serious injury last Saturday in a Senior league match against Melvin Gaels, we in Mohill and Kinlough were hoping that he was just concussed and that he would quickly recover. We were very concerned when he was transferred from Sligo Hospital to Beaumont Hospital. On Sunday morning our worst fears were realised when news reached us that Philly suffered horrific brain injuries and was gravely ill. Phillys playing colleagues were devastated, disconsolate and inconsolable. Gloom descended on the whole locality. By lunch hour a convoy of cars bearing Phillys playing colleagues and friends was travelling to Dublin to offer support and comfort and support to Philomena, Phillys lovely gentle mother and to his brothers John and Michael and to visit and bid a last farewell to their injured colleague Philly. In the visiting room beside ICU ward the grief was palpable. One could not but be very impressed with Phillys playing colleagues for their solidarity, support and comforting of the family over the following days. They proved themselves to be young men of great character. A word of thanks to all visitors to the hospital and we are grateful to the members of the Melvin Gaels club who made the journey. Philip Mc Guinness went to his eternal reward on Monday afternoon and his family kindly donated his organs.
How does one pay tribute to Philip Mc Guinness or Philly as he was affectionately known? Philip was held in very high regard by all his team mates and mentors at club and County level.
He was a magnificent footballer. This is hardly surprising considering the sporting environment in which he was reared. His late father was a brilliant ball player as a footballer and hurler and this was acknowledged when Michael Mc Guinness was selected at full forward on the Leitrim Millennium team.
Michael instilled a love of Gaelic sports in his three sons who became great players; each of them wearing the Mohill and Leitrim jersey at all levels with pride and distinction. Philomena offered them great encouragement to develop their skills. The boys had a tyre against the wall and their was daily competition to see who could score most and when young Philly came along he proved to be most competitive.
Two club stalwarts, Tom Lynch and Gerry Bohan introduced Philly to team play at under 12 and 14 with dad Michael lending support. Peter Logan, John Dugdale and myself guided Philly through under 16, minor, under 21 and into senior football. Philly represented Leitrim at all underage levels and was acknowledged as one of the best young talents in the Provence when he was selected on the Connaught under 17 team to tour Australia in 2001.
The study was not neglected and after attending the local national school the three Mc Guinness brothers attended Drumshanbo Vocational school where their father was a brilliant and much loved science teacher. Here Philly continued his football prowess and also became a very accomplished volleyball player winning all Ireland titles with his school. Philly later attended Dublin Institute of Technology and qualified as an Engineer and for a number of years has been a valuable employee of Mercury Engineering based in Belmullet.
You might ask what qualities made Philly such a great player?
Simply he was a born player, a natural, extremely skillful, had perfected all the skills, an excellent two sided player and he had speed, agility, quickness, balance and good vision and was a tremendously brave competitor, displaying a never say die attitude.
I spoke briefly to the Leitrim team Manager Mickey Moran and suggested to him that Philly was a coachs dream, Mickey replied
"You know youd hardly know Philly was in the dressing room, but was transformed when he entered the playing arena"
Philly had a wonderful attitude and the more intensity there was in training the more Philly reveled in it. He was totally dedicated to his training and made the twice weekly journey from Belmullet to where ever Leitrim training took place, be it in Leitrim, Cavan, Mullingar often a round trip of up to 300 miles. His fitness levels were very high, he had a great engine which enabled him to cover acres of ground during games. I think its fair to say that Philly has been Leitrims outstanding performer for the past two years and at 26 years he still hadnt reached his peak – the best had yet to come, he had many years of great football in him. In his last game in the Leitrim jersey against Limerick, Philly was head and shoulders over every other Leitrim player on the field.
The highlight of his club career was probably winning a great County Senior Championship final in 2006. Philly was one of the stars that day and I am delighted that Philly had the memory of that brilliant victory to sustain him during the three and a half years of life left to him. The weight of history was on him that day as it bridged a thirty five year gap to 1971 when his father stared in the last Mohill team to win the Senior Championship.
To his playing colleagues Philly was a priceless treasure; always positive and encouraging, a born leader leading by example at all times and his infectious enthusiasm rubbed off on his colleagues. His commitment to his colleagues was total, unfailing and genuine. He had a tremendous rapport with his colleagues and his personal qualities were such that colleagues and opponents alike forged lasting bonds of friendship with him.
To the youngsters of Mohill and Leitrim Philly was the perfect role model, youngsters adored him, they all wanted to be Philly Mc Guinness.
Although Philly has gone from the sporting arena now, the enormous contribution he made to the GAA in Mohill and Leitrim is a lasting legacy to his memory
Away from the football field Philly was one of the most gracious, gentle and courteous of human beings who had time for everybody. He was shining example to all, his radiant smile, sense of fun and sense of humor endeared him to everybody and our lives have beenÓgreatly enriched by knowing him.
At this stage I would like to extend the clubs sympathy to the Mc Guinness family, to his lovely, gentle mother Phil, to his brothers John and Michael, aunts, uncle and cousins and to ensure them that we are all sharing in your grief and pain and I know that club members will be supportive in the difficult days and weeks and months ahead.
I would like to thank Fr. Hogan, the choir, Coiste Chontae Liatroma members for their outstanding support, the media, the staff of the Cannon Donohue hall, the caterers, members of An Garda Siochana. The support given by all football clubs in the county was heart warming and a great source of comfort to the family. Members of the Mohill club have been brilliant over the last few days in helping out where ever possible.
While mourning our tremendous loss we also celebrate Phillys life and we will always treasure the time we shared with him. We thank him for his friendship and his sporting prowess. The many wonderful memories we have of Philly are now our only consolation.
As we commit Phillys mortal remains to God we know that Philly will always be a football immortal in Mohill and Leitrim through his marvelous achievements on the sporting fields of Leitrim and further afield and for paying the ultimate price for the Gaelic games and the Association he loved so much.
It will take a long time for the people of Mohill and Mohill GAA club to recover from Phillys loss and I have no doubt that the club will honour Philly in some way to perpetuate his memory. Could I humbly suggest that when the remedial work is complete in Mohill GAA park next year it be reopened as The Philly McGuinness Memorial park.
Now as we say goodbye to a magnificent young man, to a prince of Mohill and Leitrim football, we bid farewell with a Shakespearean quote;
"Now cracks a brave heart
Goodnight sweet Prince and flights of Angels lead thee to they rest"
NÍ bheidh do leitheid ann Aris a Philip
Go nDeanidh Dia trocaire ar Do anim Dilis.
Matt Gaffey
Mohill
22/04/2010
26-Apr-10 by Leitirm GAA
All Ireland Scór Success
Club FootballCoiste Chontae Liatroma take this opportunity to congratulate Bornacoola Question Time team who won the All Ireland title in Killarney on Saturday. Well done to all our other competitors who did Leitrim and Connacht proud with marvellous performances all round. They were of course:-
Glencar Manorhamilton in the Figure Dancing
Louise Staunton for Bornacoola in Recitation
Leitrim Gaels in the Instrumental Music
St Marys in the Ballad Group
Ballinamore Sean OHeslins in the Novelty Act
A full report on the finals will be posted shortly.
26-Apr-10 by Colette Fox – PRO
All-Ireland Finals of Scór Sinsear
GeneralBest of luck this weekend to all our competitors prepare to shine in the INEC this Saturday 24th with the hope of taking home an All-Ireland Scór title. With 6 clubs from Leitrim qualified, it is the highest representation the county has had since 1984 in the finals.
Wishing the clubs the very best of luck and safe travel to all.
The clubs taking part:
Figure Dancing – Glencar/Manorhamilton
Instrumental Music – Leitrim Gaels
Recitation – Bornacoola, Louise Staunton
Ballad Group – St Marys
Question Time – Bornacoola
Novelty Act – Sean OHeslins
24-Apr-10 by Scor Liatrioma
Cancellation of weekend fixtures
Club FootballCoiste Chontae Liatroma Executive hereby advise that all scheduled fixtures in Hurling and Football at all levels are canceled as a mark of respect to Philip Mc Guinness and his family.
No permission to play challenge game will be grant to any club at any level.
CCCC Leitrim will issue fixtures for week commencing 26th April 2010 in due course.
20-Apr-10 by Leitrim GAA
Coiste na nÓg Monthly Meeting – cancelled
Coiste na nÓgThe monthly meeting of Coiste na nÓg due to take place Tomorrow night Tuesday 20th April has been cancelled as a mark of respect to the Late Philly Mc Guinness. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
19-Apr-10 by Barbara Byrne – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
Philip McGuinness – Rest in Peace
Club FootballIt is with great sadness and regret that Leitrim County Board confirm the tragic and untimely passing of Philip Mc Guinness of Mohill GAA Club and member of the County Leitrim senior team.
His death, as the result of an injury sustained in a Club game at the weekend has left not only his family, his Club and the people of Leitrim in deep shock but also the entire GAA community
‘Philly, as he was known was the ultimate team player, talented, dedicated and above all loyal. His death has had a profound effect in Leitrim GAA circles.
However, his loss to Club and County is second to the void now left in the Mc Guinness household of his mother Phil, brothers John and Michael and to the extended Mc Guinness family throughout Ireland. To all of them we offer our sincerest condolences.
Solas na bhFaitheas ar a ainm dílis.
Coiste Chontae Liatroma CLG
19-Apr-10 by Leitrim GAA
Statement from Mohill GAA Club – Sunday
GeneralStatement from Mohill GAA Club Co Leitrim
Philip McGuinness Mohill GAA Club and Leitrim Senior County Player was involved in an unfortunate accident during a Senior Club game on Saturday evening last.
Philip received a serious head injury, and is currently in a critical condition in Beaumont Hospital.
Thoughts and prayers of the local and wider community are with Philip and his family at this difficult time.
signed
Mohill GAA
18-Apr-10 by Mohill GAA
Phillip McGuinness – Sunday
GeneralDue to an injury sustained in a match yesterday Phillip McGuinness remains critically ill. Our thoughts and prayers are with him & his family at this difficult time.
Coiste Chontae Liatroma
18-Apr-10 by Leitrim GAA
Leitrim v Limerick Report
County FootballLimerick 1-22
Leitrim 0-9
Limerick totally outclassed Leitrim in the last game in Division 4 yesterday. The result means Leitrim remain in Division 4 next year while Limerick and Waterford make the leap to Division 3.
Limerick were quite impressive in this encounter and aside from their comfortable victory they are currently the leagues top scorers, are still in contention for the 10,000 Fair Play Award and now look forward to a League Final against Waterford (possibly in Croke Park).
To be fair to Leitrim they battled right to the final whistle and had they not wasted two goal chances the scoreline may have been different. Leitrim opened their account when Michael Foley pointed the first of five frees for Leitrim in the ninth minute but by half time the homeside led by 0-11 to 0-5. Leitrim only scored a point from play in the second half while Limerick converted a penalty and ran out easy winners on a scoreline of 1-22 to 0-9.
Next season the Leitrim Team will be joined by Roscommon and Fermanagh who made the drop from Division 3 so if it is any consolation there will be some interesting local derbies and short journeys at least!
Leitrim scorers: M Foley 0-5 (5f), D Gilhooley 0-2, S Canning and R Kennedy 0-1 each.
Leitrim: G Phelan, D Beck, J McKeon, D Reynolds (St Marys) B Prior, S Foley, C Clarke, S Canning, T Beirne, P McGuinness, D OConnor, M Foley, J Glancy, R Kennedy, D Gilhooley.
Subs: C Maguire for Beck, B Gallagher for Kennedy, R Cox for J Glancy (G Manor), C Richardson for Canning, D Sweeney for OConnor.
12-Apr-10 by Colette Fox – PRO
Leitrim v Longford – Report
County FootballLeitrim 0-13
Longford 0-12
The first half of this penultimate round of the league left a lot to be desired as the flow of the game was constantly eroded by free after free. The wind assisted Longford team made the most of the elements with Francis McGee slotting over six frees for Longford who took a 0-8 to 0-6 lead into the break.
The pace of the second half intensified as Leitrim charged into the Tesco end determined to change the scoreline. Within six minutes of the restart, Leitrim had leveled through points from substitute Ronan Kennedy and an on form Michael Foley. The teams swapped points through out the half and in the last 10 minutes Leitrims Colm Clarke, fresh on the field. took the ball in defense and soloed 50 yards to strike the ball clean over the bar from distance. Leitrim fought hard during the remaining time and held out for a deserved win.
The quality of football was not as pleasant to watch as in recent games but this local derby was never going to be easy and Leitrims desire to up the tempo and grind out a result is heartening.
Next up for Leitrim is the last game of the league and a trip to the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick in what promises to be a keenly contested game as Limerick have a chance of promotion and need the points. In our last visit south Leitrim visitors to Kilmallock in 2008 will remember the circumstances in which the green and gold were robbed of a crucial point to avoid relegation to Division 4 with literally the last kick of the game.
scorers –
Leitrim: M Foley 0-8 (0-5f), J Glancy 0-2, C Clarke, R Kennedy, D OConnor 0-1 each.
Longford: F McGee 0-7 (0-5f), P Dowd, B McElvaney 0-2 each, R McGoldrick 0-1.
Leitrim: E Lyons; D Beck, J McKeon, D Reynolds; J Glancy (St Marys) G Reynolds, W McKeon; S Canning, T Beirne; P McGuinness, D OConnor, M Foley; P Howard, J Glancy (Glencar/Manor), D Gilhooley.
Subs: R Kennedy for Howard (29), R Mulvey for Gilhooley (56), C Clarke for G Reynolds (63), B Gallagher for J Glancy
Longford: D Sheridan; D Brady, B Gilleran, S Hannon; S Mulligan, E Williams, N Farrell; B McElvaney, A OConnor; D Masterson, F McGee, G DennÓgan; D Reilly, D Keenan, R McGoldrick. Subs: C MimnÓgh for McGoldrick (24), P Kelly for Gilleran (h-t), P Dowd for DennÓgan (h-t), J Martin for Keenan (58), P Foy for Reilly (71).
Referee: R ODonnell (Donegal).
04-Apr-10 by Brendan Doyle