Scurloughstown Olympiad
Windows On The Past
We Remember Them With Fondness
Die when I may, I want it said of me by those who knew me best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.
Abraham Lincoln
We honour our friends and group members that have given so much during their time with us as members of the Haymaking Festival
Ned Kelly, Scurloughstown.
Ned with his brothers Joe and Stephen were familiar members of Scurlogstown Olympiad. He played a key role in the construction of the Banqueting Hall and in later years he helped to build the first mobile thatched house. This house was maliciously burned in the Porch Fields.
Christy Gibbons, native of County Galway.
Christy was a noted hurler with Kilmessan. He demonstrated his wheelwright skills at many an Olympiad as he shaped the spokes and applied the shoeing to many a cartwheel.
Gus O’Brien, Rathmolyon.
Gus brought the skills of the threshing to all our earlier events. In his younger days he transported hay by horse and cart to Smithfield Market in Dublin. He often boasted that he provided the first courier service as on his return journey he brought iron from Hammond Lane to the local blacksmith and barrels of porter to Harnan’s pub in Rathmolyon.
Martin Smith, Navan.
It is not known how the Olympiad captured Martin away from Navan Ó Mahonys. He and his family made an enormous contribution to the success of the Olympiad. His passing left a huge gap in our ranks. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Packie and Bill Maguire, Rathmolyon.
The Maguire brothers were steeped in Irish culture as they stage performed and played music on every possible occasion. It is to Bill we have available the recitation of the evictions of Rathcore whilst Packie took charge of our skittles competition. His daughter Mary was for many years the P.R.O. of the Olympiad.
John Wiseman, Scurloughstown.
John was a founder member of Scurlogstown Olympiad and devoted his many talents to the promotion of Ireland’s culture and heritage. He was loved by his colleagues and will be deeply missed. The legacy that he leaves us in his work will ensure that he will continue to inspire future Scurlogstown Olympians.
Tommy Farrelly
We were shocked and devastated to learn of the sudden death of Tommy Farrelly – our friend, fellow Macra member, and one of the longest standing members of the Blue Jean Festival committee. A gentleman, taken too early, who will be missed in a massive way by everyone.
Aidan Murray, Balgeeth.
Aidan became chairman of the National Farmers Association, later the Irish Farmers Association and held the post for 20 years. He was instrumental in setting up the co-op in Kilmessan to assist farmers in the purchase of seeds, fertilizer and goods at a reasonable price. He was also involved in Munitir na Tire for a long number of years, and played a leading role in organising the annual children’s sports day in Kilmessan. Aidan’s camera was never far from his hand and he took many photos of the winners and people at the Scurlogstown events.
Michael O’Connor
It was with great sadness when the news came through of the untimely death of our great friend and leader Michael O Connor. He always knew the value of family and community. There was never a job too big for Michael to sort out nor a problem that could not be fixed by his wonderful talent. A huge loss to his family and to the wider family of the Trim Hay Making and heritage community.
Barney McKenna
Barney was a long time friend of the the gang at Scurlogstown and attended many many Hay Making Festivals with us. His passing was a shock to us all and his presence like so many others, founders, volunteers or friends that have passed, is sorely missed. Barney’s fishing boat takes pride of place at the Fisherman’s Cottage beside the Boycetown River in the award winning Scurlogstown Olympiad Heritage Park at the entrance to the Boyne Valley on the Dublin to Trim Road at Jack Quinn’s Pub.