Mix of codes for Bo-Jackson Cup game in memory of Robbie Cooney
Image 1 of 8
David Smyth, Annemarie Nugent and Martin Nugent at the Bo-Jackson Cup event on Saturday afternoon in Mullingar.Image 2 of 8
Kevin and Majella Walsh with Sarah and David Farrelly, at Mullingar Rugby grounds for Saturday’s event.Image 3 of 8
Mullingar's Paddy Cooney in action in Saturday's game.Image 4 of 8
Lousia and Charles Fox from Castlepollard enjoying the game on Saturday.Image 5 of 8
There was a full house at Shay Murtagh Park on Saturday in memory of Robbie Cooney.Image 6 of 8
Paul Maxwell (Mullingar) and Kevin English (Ballycomoyle) chase down this loose ball.Image 7 of 8
Aidan Kilroy, referee Barry Kelly and Paul Reville at Mullingar Rugby Club for Saturday’s specially organised game.Image 8 of 8
Michelle Sullivan (Ballycomoyle) and Sinéad Gallagher (Mullingar) in action in Saturday’s ladies game.Ballycomoyle GAA club and Mullingar Rugby club came together on Saturday December 30 to honour the memory their great mutual friend and colleague, the late Robbie Cooney with a specially organised match for the Bo-Jackson Cup.
The gods were smiling as, after a dreadful morning’s weather, it turned into a beautiful afternoon for the match. The Ballycomoyle team was managed by a great Meath man Rory from Rory’s stories, while the Mullingar Rugby football team was managed 2004 Westmeath hero Alan ‘Buddha’ Mangan.
And one of Ireland’s great referees Barry Kelly was the man in the middle, keeping the game flowing and an Aussie rules ball was used for a game that was a mix of both codes.
A fantastic first 20 minutes of rugby Gaelic football ensued, with the Ballycomoyle lads leading by a couple of points after the first half. At half-time in the men’s match, it was the turn of the Mullingar ladies Rugby and football team and the Ballycomoyle ladies football team to take the field.
What a fantastic match we were treated to, with the Ballycomoyle ladies winning their match with a brilliant over with the final kick of the game. It was super exciting and entertaining match to watch.
It was then back to the men’s game and away we went for the second half with again great skill. Buddha Mangan made a few shrewd moves that seem to be the making the difference.
But Rory of Rory’s Stories had other ideas up his sleeve – winning the match – as the Ballycomoyle team bench was emptied. Unfortunately the tactic didn’t work and Buddha’s Mullingar Rugby and football team took the spoils in the finish.
Both teams can be extremely proud of what they contributed on the day in memory of their dear friend Robbie Cooney.
Thanks to the supporters who came in there thousands from all over and it was wonderful to see such a fantastic event. It was extremely well organised and all involved can take a bow.
It was not just a game - it was people’s chance to honour Robbie’s legacy and support mental health charities, including Pieta House. The many very kind donations on the day will make a huge difference to these charities.