You’ll find all the column inches you need in every newspaper you see this week on the retirement of Ballymacelligott’s own Irish rugby team captain, Ciara Griffin.
You’ll read all about her exploits on Irish and foreign fields and she earned and deserves every line.
Here, her fellow parishioner, Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald put pen to paper on the parish perspective on the news which has reverberated throughout Irish rugby circles.
And this in a week in which the males of the species quarried out that outstanding win over the dreaded All Blacks.
Retiring in her Prime
Ciara Griffin is retiring in her prime after making her way onto the international scene against Wales in the 2016 Six Nations Championships.
In 2018 she was honoured with the captaincy of the Irish team.
She will have achieved the considerable level of 41 international caps when she hangs up her international boots after she leads her country out in this weekend’s game against Japan.
The following is Cllr. Fitzgerald’s heartfelt tribute to his high achieving neighbour and her family:
Ballymacelligott’s Cheer of Thanks and Pride
“All of Ballymacelligott gives a big cheer of thanks to Ciara Griffin and her family for the huge honour she has brought to us during her term as captain of the Irish Rugby Team.
Ciara has brought great pride to anyone who says ‘I’m from Ballymac’. A role model of the highest calibre for our youth to follow.
A figure on the international sporting stage. A representative for our country. And yet always, always from Ballymacelligott.
Thanks Ciara, Kathleen, Denis and family for giving so much of your time and lives in representing us.
It is deeply appreciated. The very best of luck Ciara in the future always, the People of Ballymacelligott.”
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