Jim Gavin pays tribute to 'devoted' Andy Kettle

Dublin football manager Jim Gavin has paid a glowing tribute to the late Dublin GAA chairman Andy Kettle.

Kettle, 68, who had been in his position since 2011, beat prostate cancer 14 years ago, but a routine check-up revealed that it had returned in October.

He contracted pneumonia during chemotherapy treatment and died on Monday.

Gavin, speaking to RTÉ Sport, painted a picture of a rounded man with a love of GAA and a very hands-on approach to the Dublin football team.

"He had been fighting an illness for quite some time. Andy was devoted to the Gaelic Athletic Association, he leaves behind a legacy and influence in the GAA," said Gavin.

"A former chairman in his club Fingal Ravens in north county Dublin, he was vice-chair for two years before being elected as the Dublin County Board chairman in 2011.

"As recently as last Monday night at the Dublin County Board's convention in Parnell Park he was re-elected for a fifth term.

"We had a very open and honest relationship with Andy. He was a man of integrity. He was very principled.

"He had a great passion for the association and developing Gaelic games in Dublin - both hurling and football. And I do recall after some of our games, sharing a meal with Andy, that he would talk with great pride about the Dublin hurling team who were contesting the National Hurling League in Division 2.

"From a Dublin football perspective, as I said, we had a very open relationship with Andy and his office. Andy saw it as a partnership, as we did, and everything we did was totally focussed on doing the best for Dublin GAA and the association at large to that end.

"Andy attended our training sessions, attended our team meetings. He came with the players on the bus. He was there in the dressing room. He was on our shoulder in times of victory and defeat, and if one was going to battle, Andy Kettle was someone that you would have on your side."

"If one was going to battle, Andy Kettle was someone that you would have on your side" - Jim Gavin

GAA president Liam O'Neill also praised Kettle as figure of importance throughout the sport, not just in his home county of Dublin.

"The sad passing of Andy has shocked us all. He was an extremely popular figure within the wider GAA family, but of course was particularly active with his native Dublin," said O'Neill.

"His warm, friendly, inclusive demeanour struck a chord with people and drew people easily to his company.

"His infectious enthusiasm could be seen on match days at Croke Park, but of course much of his sterling work was overseen away from the glare down through the various other ranks of Gaelic games in the capital city.

"His presence and contribution at national level as a member of our management committee and a central council delegate will also be sorely missed and I extend the heartfelt condolences of the entire GAA community to his family, his wide circle of friends and his club, Fingal Ravens, at this difficult time."

Kettle is survived by his wife Phyllis, sons Patrick, Peter and Eoin and daughters Niamh, Orla and Ciara.

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

Jim Gavin pays tribute to 'devoted' Andy Kettle

Dengan url

http://olahragaenjoy.blogspot.com/2014/12/jim-gavin-pays-tribute-to-devoted-andy.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

Jim Gavin pays tribute to 'devoted' Andy Kettle

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

Jim Gavin pays tribute to 'devoted' Andy Kettle

sebagai sumbernya

Olahraga Enjoy