November 18th, 2013 | Uncategorized
I know it’s been a while folks, but this last week has been tough. We received devastating news after practice on Tuesday that Lou’s boyfriend passed away. It was difficult going into practice because we knew he was in critical condition with brain haemorrhaging, but his death put a lot of things in perspective for all of us. I felt horrible for Lou because I genuinely admire her. She is a warm-hearted kind person with amazing athletic abilities, so seeing her have to deal with the love her life leaving this Earth was that much harder.
It is only right for me to dedicate this blog to Alan Feeley. He was 28 years old and accomplished so much within his lifetime. At one point the funeral was standing room only as hundreds of people gathered around to celebrate his life, support, and pray for the family. He was a son, brother, teacher, teammate, and friend to anyone who entered his life. Alan was very competitive and played with the Old Crescent RFC thirds team in Limerick, and also played football with Claremorris GAA club. He taught PE and geography and his popularity was shown as a bus of his students attended his funeral on Friday.
In an article in the Limerick Leader, the Principal of Scoil na Tríonóide Naofa, Eilis Casey, described Alan as, “A teacher who was very innovative and made PE so enjoyable for the girls. He was very popular. There was an ease and calmness about him.” Alan coached pupils to a Munster Gaelic football title last year. He also introduced spike ball to the school and brought them to two All-Ireland finals. During the funeral the priest reminded us all that “Lives should not be measured in years but the quality of memories left behind.”
All last week I was left to think about what I’ve been doing to be a better person and had to take into consideration the times I complained about the little things in life. Alan touched many lives from volunteering in Africa to skydiving with his younger brother. We also honored him just before our game on Saturday by pinning a black ribbon on the left side of our jerseys and having a moment of silence. Even though we lost, we have to stay strong as a team, continue to be positive, and support one another.
Alan will truly be missed and forever remembered, so rest in peace Alan Feeley, from the family at Sport Changes Life.
