The Micky Hourihane Festival of Football was a rousing success
The Micky Hourihane Festival of Football was a rousing success
03-05 June 2023
2022 ended on a sad note for the people of Leeds AFC. On December 31st 2022 their beloved chairman “Mr. Leeds” passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Now almost 6 months on from the tragic loss and the club have honoured him in the best way they could.
Michael Hourihane was one of the finest examples of what makes grassroots football such a valued part of the community in Cork. The former club chairman and former club secretary had served in almost every role imaginable at the club, from chairman to groundsman and everything in between. After his passing, He received a guard of honour, in spite of the January cold, by the club’s players and members which stretched from his home all the way to the church for his funeral, such was the love and respect and the gratitude they each felt for their mentor and friend.
Micky was responsible for the sporting education of hundreds of youngsters throughout Cork. After over 30 years of service to the club, he has left a massive legacy behind him. Micky had become synonymous with Leeds as the years went on and indeed he was always well thought of by clubs and players all throughout the soccer scene here on Leeside. Thanks must go to his wife Norma and their 4 children for having shared Michael with so many for so long. He was a titan of Cork sport and will be forever remembered as such.
It was because of the love and respect that people had for Micky that Leeds AFC were able to put together a wonderful tribute to him with the help of several other local clubs. A weekend long festival featuring games and bouncy castles and loads more fun for all the family, along with of course, some brilliant football. The weekend culminated in an U16s blitz which is set to become an annual tournament in memory of “Mr. Leeds”.
The Micky Hourihane Festival of Football was a rousing success as well with €7,129 raised in support of Aid Cancer TTreatment. Aid Cancer Treatment would like to thank Leeds AFC for this amazing donation. Well done to all involved. The generosity of an entire community has moved us all.
We as an organisation could not have been prouder to have been associated with such an event.
RIP Micky