Padraig was a loyal servant of the game for decades at national, league and club levels, integrating his media work and skills to accelerate the game forward.

He served on many national FAI and SFAI bodies for boy and girls football, indeed a champion of girls football when it was less fashionable, organising and promoting football opportunities for all levels.  This week he was sourcing results/fixtures in his role as one of the National Cup coordinators, such was his dedication but also the shock is even more immense.  

Only last June he was a vital part of the Gaynor Cup team, organising quietly behind the scenes plus continuously rolling out content across the land to dozens of local media outlets for all leagues.   

He was so indispensable he was kept on for the Kennedy Cup and later Inter League Finals organising teams.  A snapshot of a really outstanding football operator. 

Padraigs work with Kerry football is probably immeasurable – he had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game in the county. His work will have influenced thousands of players, coaches, administrators, referees and everyone associated.

Despite operating in Kerry with fairness and professionalism, it was rare to have a football conversation where he didn’t mention Killarney Celtic, around the table in abbotstown, even when the topic was obliquely related at best.  His care and the sometimes unconscious pull he had for the club was apparent.

The other club that got a mention was Nottingham Forest, very enthused by their return to the Premier League for the current season. 

It is very sad for all of us that knew him through football.  He knew his business, the game, was tough but always affable, we have lost a friend.

Condolences to all his ‘football family’ in Kerry and Killarney Celtic.  We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Padraigs wife Maura, his brother Brendan and all his family and friends.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a n-anam

What a great occasion at the Stephen Ireland Astro Turf, Old Church today where St Kevin’s Boys FC went home with a 3-0 victory over Springfield Ramblers .
It was amazing to have St. Kevin’s Boys with their standing in Irish Schoolboys soccer coming to Cobh. Also amazing was the battle that the young Springfield/Rambers team presented over the course of the match. Yes defeat is hard to take for any young player but this is just the beginning of your journey over the coming years. Make it pain, but channel that pain into determination to improve, learn and do better and turn these defeats into victory when the opportunity arises again….

Well done Paul and the management team for the great work with the team.

All the players can be proud of their display and sportsmanship during and after the match in front of a very appreciative crowd to the talent on show…
We go again 💪

We regret to inform you we have been notified by his family that our long time colleague, Jimmy Hackett, has passed away suddenly and unexpectedly this morning.

Jimmy was a long standing member of the SFAI Council on behalf of the Wicklow SL and went on to serve for many years on its Executive Committee representing Leinster.

During that time Jimmy also acted as the SFAI Child Welfare Officer and contributed to the successful staging of many SFAI National Cup Finals, Inter-League Finals and Kennedy Cup Tournaments.

Jimmy served on the FAI Council and various FAI Standing committees.

Originally a member of the St. Anthony’s club in Kilcoole, Wicklow, Jimmy went on to become Chairman of the club as well as giving years of service to the Wicklow SL where he held office as Hon. Secretary and Chairman amongst others.

Jimmy was always a willing and diligent worker and made many friends with his engaging sense of humour and personality, his passing is a shock and sad loss to the football family.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends on this saddest of occasions.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.