‘Spectacular’ is the first word that springs to mind when you watch Kiefer Craig’s drone video (here) of the stunning new Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch and Community Walkways in Charlestown.
The new development at the home of Charlestown Sarsfields is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much of his time, effort, energy and commitment to his local GAA club until his life was cut tragically short on June 17, 2020.
Garda Colm Horkan was 49 years old when he was murdered in the line of duty that night in Castlerea, Co Roscommon. He had so much life to live and life to give but, sadly, he was cut down in his prime.
The way that his family, friends, work colleagues and Charlestown club-mates have rallied around and pulled together in the four years since has been nothing short of incredible.
So much of what they have done and said has been behind closed doors, in places like the Horkan family home, and on long evenings and dark nights when grief has hit them hard.
But scores of Colm’s nearest and dearest friends have also put their best feet forward in public in an effort to build something that would be, in their own words, ‘a fitting legacy for the great man and a facility for the community to enjoy for generations to come’.
The committee behind the project worked tirelessly over the last few years to make their dreams a reality. To build something that Colm would be proud of.
People like Liam Breheny, Kevin Deignan, Ronan Kenny, Donal Healy, Joe McBrien, Seán Higgins, Declan Casey, Declan Divilly, Michael Doherty, Martin Donohue, Siobhan Doherty, Tom McLoughlin and Caroline Tiernan drove the project from beginning to end, but the whole GAA club, town and wider community weren’t found wanting either.
The same goes for Colm’s comrades in An Garda Siochana who wanted to show their respect and appreciation for a man who never asked anybody to do anything that he wouldn’t do himself.
Back in May of 2022, Marty Horkan, Colm’s dad and one of the nicest men you will ever meet, turned the sod on the development along with the-then Minister for Sport, Jack Chambers.
Last Sunday, a little over two years later, the ‘Memorial Pitch and Community Walkways’ was officially opened with three football matches played to launch the new pitch in style.
Local legends, past masters from the world of Mayo football, as well as neighbouring counties, and some men and women who are still strutting their stuff regularly, togged out for the occasion.
It was a veritable feast of football and a huge crowd came along to support and to see the fruits of so many people’s labour.
The facilities are a testament to the value of community spirit and the volunteer ethos of the GAA, as well as the power of people to come together and do great things in memory and honour of one of their own.
The Charlestown Sarsfields club probably put it best when they said:
‘Colm loved his football and served Charlestown Sarsfields with distinction over the course of a long, stellar and star-studded career. He donned the green and white jersey with honour and excellence and Fr. O’Hara took centre stage in many of our finest successes in a career that saw him reach some marvellous heights.
‘He played with courage, intelligence and intensity and brought tremendous passion to the fields of play with O’Hara Park his domain and the scene of many of his greatest performances as he inspired his team and led from the front at all times. He was a born leader and played with a conviction and belief that typified his persona and character and he never let the jersey down, and more often than not came up with the right pass or the crucial score to get the Sarsfields over the line in many of our epic victories.
‘His quality and sheer class will forever remain intact as his kindness, modesty and heroism will stay etched in our memories and consciousness for many a long day.’
Colm Horkan’s name and memory will also endure now, thanks to this memorial pitch.
He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.