Paul Kelly had a long and successful association with Conn Rangers. Most youngsters come to football at an early age but in Paul's case, football literally came to him. For several years Rangers played in Kelly's Field in Currabaggan and it was there that young Paul fell in love with the game and with the club. Even at that early age he was always willing to get stuck in - PJ Duffy has fond memories of a young Paul Kelly helping him to line the pitch before games - and that dedication was typical of Paul right throughout his career.

Goalkeepers are never great fans of those hard pre-season runs but not so Paul Kelly. Always ready to lead by example, Paul put in the hard yards same as everybody else - no excuses, no complaints. He played in a Rangers team that was full of big characters and it was a measure of the man that he should be captain during arguably the club's finest hour when Conn won the Premier League & Cup double in 2003. A commanding presence between the sticks Paul was a brilliant shot stopper and a huge influence on so many teams from the late 90s right through to 2012 when he finally hung up the gloves. A few years ago a host of ex-players were asked to name their best Conn XI and it came as no surprise to see Paul Kelly featuring prominently among the selections. A former 'Young Player of the Year' and 'Junior Player of the Year' Paul was a man who took his football extremely seriously but always with a ready smile and an encouraging word.

With the sudden and untimely passing of Dermot Holmes, Conn Rangers FC must bid farewell to one of the finest men ever to play for the club. Having previously been with Lincoln City, Dermot signed for Rangers in 1979 and remarkably, he would go on to represent Conn in four different decades, lining out in the black and green from the late 70s right up to the early 2000s.

A cultured, intelligent, versatile footballer, Dermot was noted for his ability to retain control of the ball even on the worst of pitches and was equally comfortable in midfield, on the wing or up front. His ability was recognised early on and he was part of the Mayo Oscar Traynor side that scored a famous win over Galway in Terryland back in 1981.

 

Dermot was the archetypal 'team player' - no ego - he was only interested in what was best for the team and was hugely respected by those who played with him. Last year, we asked some former players to pick their Conn Rangers 'All Time XI' - Dermot Holmes was an automatic choice in every selection.

When he did finally hang up the boots, Dermot moved into management, and along with PJ Duffy, lead Rangers to the Premier Division title in 2003. A thorough gentleman, a wonderful teammate, and a loyal servant to the club, Dermot was a friend to all who knew him. His untimely passing will be mourned in Coolcronan and beyond and his memory will be cherished by the club to which he gave so much.

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A sombre mood fell on the parish in recent days as the news emerged that one of Knockmore's favourite sons had finally slipped away. Affectionately known to one and all as 'Mickey B', his passing will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

The quintessential 'community man', Mickey B could always be relied on to put his shoulder to the wheel whenever the call went out, always ready with a kind word and a warm smile. 

 

Though he was mainly involved with the GAA in latter years, Mickey B had a long association with Conn Rangers FC. He played underage with the club and would have featured in the strand leagues back in the day.

He later moved into coaching and together with Gerry McCreanor, guided the Conn Rangers Under 16s to a League title. Mickey B also served on the club executive for several years.

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A Knockmore man, a Conn Rangers man - and a staunch Liverpool man! - Mickey B was a friend to all who knew him and the parish is much the poorer for his passing.

 

Sincerest sympathy to Collette, to Kayleigh, Laura and little Joey Michael, to his extended family and to his wide circle of friends.

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The community of Knockmore was deeply saddened on learning of the unexpected passing of Arthur 'Gus' Alexander of Woodview Court, Killala and formerly of Knockmore. As the news of his death filtered through, thoughts and memories quickly went back to the humble beginnings and the early days of Conn Rangers Football Club.

Gus was to the fore in those early, halcyon days as a clubman and player and when his career as a player was over he didn't just walk away from the game. He wanted to give something back and so he became a Mayo League referee and for years travelled the length and breadth of the county with his whistle refereeing games.

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The final whistle was blown for Gus on Thursday 6th of June when he was called to his eternal reward. Sincerest sympathy to his family, his sister, his relatives and many friends.

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And so when our thoughts go back as they sometimes do, these are the memories we will have of you.

Farewell friend and teammate, farewell...

 

P.J. Duffy