Kilkenny gets special honour

Dublin dual ace Ciarán Kilkenny has created a notable piece of history by being honoured with life membership of his club Castleknock prior to his departure to Australia.

The 19-year-old, who started in Dublin ’s All-Ireland football semi-final loss to Mayo in September, flies out to Melbourne on Thursday to link up with Aussie Rules outfit Hawthorn on a two-year international rookie contract.

Kilkenny received the club honour just a few hours after playing a huge part in helping Castleknock qualify for the final of the Leinster Club Junior Football Championship final, as a result of Sunday’s semi-final 3-9 to 1-3 win over Meath junior champions Ratoath, at Ratoath.

“This was the first time anyone has honoured with life membership of our club,” explained Castleknock chairman Niall Tutty on the award to Kilkenny, who also has represented Dublin in minor and U21 football and in minor hurling, winning an All-Ireland U21 football medal this year.

“But we felt it was only fitting that we should create a bit of history because of the huge contribution that Ciaran has made to the club during his career with us.

“At the moment, we’re in the process of raising funds to build our own clubhouse, so we held the function in one of the local bars and, there was a large turn-out of members on Sunday night to give Ciaran a great send-off before he heads off to Australia.

“Naturally, we’re very sorry to lose Ciaran, but we are delighted for him that he has received such a tremendous offer and we wish him all the best in his Aussie Rules career.”