Local man's Irish soccer jersey presented to Clara Town FC

90-year-old Clara woman Lily Guinan has this week presented an Ireland jersey to her local soccer club. The jersey was worn by her late cousin John-Joe Hynes when he played a junior soccer match for Ireland in 1947. John-Joe lined out in the forward line for a Republic of Ireland selection (then known as Eire) against a Northern Ireland selection (IFA). The match took place in Belfast and, despite being on the losing side, it's understood that Hynes had a good game, worthy of mention in a number of newspaper reports at the time.

Many years ago, John-Joe gave the jersey to Lily, who has held it in the home she shared with her late husband Jimmy. Following Jimmy's recent passing Lily decided the best place for the jersey is the home of John-Joe's old club, Clara Town FC.

The presentation was made at the clubhouse in Stanley O'Hara Park, ahead of the club’s AGM, where there was much good news to discuss including the new all-weather pitch and the recent winning of the CCFL club of the year award.