Paddy Green RIP: A fresh faced Paddy Green set off from Belturbet Co. Cavan on the start of his tour of the world in 1945. The first stop was Castleblayney and when the anchor went down here it wouldn’t be lifted again! Paddy began to work in the Castleblayney Seed Factory and by the year 1946 he was heavily involved in the Emerald Dramatic Group. Paddy began playing with Blackhill in 1947 and was part of the ’47 Junior Team who played Clontibret in the semi-final of the championship only to be defeated by 5 points to 4. In 1950, Paddy was a key figure in the side that won the Junior Championship when they defeated Magheracloone by 2-06 to 1-04. This final was played in May 1951. In 1951, Paddy played on the Blackhill side that made a debut in the Senior ranks when they played Killanny in Carrickmacross on 3rd June ’51. The game finished in a draw, 2-05 a piece. The replay was played in Donaghmoyne on the 17th June. Blackhill progressed following an objection that Killanny had played unregistered players. On 8th July ’51 Blackhill met Blayney Faughs in the Senior Championship in Ballybay. The Faughs won 3-4 to 1-3. Paddy went on to become Chairman of the club, a title he held from 1952 to 1956. On the field of play, Paddy continued to enjoy success and on 16-11-52 he was part of the Blackhill team that defeated Drumalish (Oram) in the mid-Monaghan Divisional Championship Final in a low scoring contest 1-2 to 0-3. Paddy got his hands on another precious Junior Championship medal when they defeated Monaghan Harps 6 points to 5. This proved to be a very successful period for Blackhill and Paddy played on the team that won the Intermediate Hackett Cup for the first time on the 25th October ’53 when they defeated Killeevan. This same team completed an historic Intermediate double beating Cremartin in Ballybay on the 15th November ’53. Two years later and Paddy tasted defeat in the Intermediate Championship against Killeevan. Paddy continued to play for the club in the barren years of the late 50s. Paddy led a very busy life away from the football field also. He played a prominent part in the Emerald Dramatic Group, a group that were renowned for their high standards. Paddy was also involved in the ICTU Trade Union and was a founder member of Castleblayney Credit Union. Paddy also worked in the Social Welfare Office in the town and found time to be a member of Ceoltas Ceoltoire Eireann and was a member of Monaghan Huntsmen. Paddy always enjoyed the ‘crack’ and was fond of socialising at The Young at Heart. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday party in the clubhouse with his family and friends. Paddy ran the filling station in Killycard for many years and although he has now passed on, his name will certainly live on as many locals still refer to this shop as ‘Paddy Greens’. The club wish to send our condolences to the Green family on the loss of Paddy. Ar dheis Dé go raibh anam.
Dr. Ward Cup: Blackhill concluded their season on a disappointing note losing out to Killanny in the Semi Final last Sunday. Final score Killanny 2-11 to Blackhill 1-09. Good luck to Killanny in the final and commiserations to our players and management.
By Majella Boyd Tue 27th Oct
