Civic reception for All-Ireland title winning Kilmeena footballers

Kilmeena GAA Club's All-Ireland title winners are to be accorded a civic reception by Mayo County Council.

They became the first Mayo team to be crowned All-Ireland junior football champions when they defeated Kerry side Gneeveguilla at Croke Park earlier this month.

This 'great achievement for a small rural club' was lauded by local Councillor John O'Malley at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council, where he proposed a civic reception to acknowledge their achievement.

It was great encouragement for young people who want to get into sport, he said.

Councillor Christy Hyland said he has grandchildren in the parish who will play for his former club. However, he voiced a broader concern for the future of such parishes, which are being impacted by planning regulations.

If you came from another county and looked for a site, you wouldn't get planning. This was an attack on rural places.

The contribution of people involved with the club over the years and in the background was acknowledged by councillors for contributing to the win.