The June Blarney & District Person of the Month is Charlie Lynch Charlie was the key figure in running the Blarney Community Games throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s. Without his efforts, many children would not have been afforded the opportunity to participate in and, for some, to progress to county and national events. Any child who grew up in Blarney during these years will have known the fairness, warmth and enthusiasm Charlie brought to the Blarney Community Games. During Charlie’s years at the helm, Blarney was a hive of activity with many opportunities for children to get involved in sport. Cycling, athletics, tennis, basketball, GAA, volleyball, rounders were all part of the local sporting traditions and many of these have survived to today. The Community Games was an opportunity for children to compete in a thriving and challenging local competition in a variety of sports with an eye to reaching the County Cork finals and ultimately, the coveted weekend in Mosney for all county winners, where all 32 counties of Ireland were represented in the National Finals. Charlie and the local Community Games ensured that both boys and girls got an opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports – athletics, rounders, basketball to name a few. The lucky ones progressed, but Charlie had an equal interest in each child regardless of athletic ability. During these years, a number of Blarney athletes brought home much coveted gold, silver and bronze national medals in a variety of sports from the National finals in Mosney. Charlie went on to become caretaker in Scoil Iosagain Girls’ School and until his retirement he became a friendly and familiar face for children and parents alike. Charlie was perfect for the job, offering conversation, kindness, help and support to anyone who needed it. He continued organising the rounders competition even after retirement and continued to offer chat and a friendly face to parents and children around the village. For his years of service to the people of Blarney it is our pleasure to nominate Charlie Lynch as June Blarney Person of the Month.
