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Omagh St Endas Remembers Staunch Club Man
Thursday 30.03.2023
A Night To Remember Jackie
One of the real gentlemen of Tyrone gaelic games and Omagh St Enda’s will be remembered at a very special function as part of “The Marking Our Past” series at the St Enda’s clubrooms on April 28th. The late Jackie Livingstone who passed away at the young age of 59 in 1995 played for the Omagh club and won an O’Neill cup in 1963. This latest event continues a series of historical occasions that have become popular in the club and community.
The late Jackie was a key administrator but was perhaps best remembered for the father figure he became for hundreds of young footballers in the town, many he coached to championship success through the sixties and seventies capping that with a centenary reserve title with the club in 1984 with many of the same players involved.
The night to remember Jackie will also feature a presentation of medals to that reserve team of 1984, captained by Gareth Mc Crory who actually never received them, the club Chairman Conor Sally ensuring that will be righted on the night. Sadly the squad from 1984 has suffered bereavements and its hoped they will be represented as thirty odd players are set for a great reunion.
Speaking ahead of the event a small team of organisers have thrown out the red carpet for players from the sixties youth teams guided by Jackie as well as the successful juvenile and minor teams from the early seventies that came under the tutelage of the quietly spoken Jackie who was also a noted club referee and of course bus driver for the club.
“Jackie was more than a manager or coach. He was the man who went out of his way to bring players into the club, keep them involved in football and indeed he was more a father figure. Social worker than just a coach or manager.”
A keen golfer, Jackie was always known for his wee golf drive demonstration when in conversation. Married to Mary, the couple were not blessed with children of their own but it’s clear when talking to players from the sixties, seventies and eighties that the players were really his wider family. Players from several generations were influenced by the late Jackie.
Jackie went the extra mile at a difficult time in the community for young men with violence and the threat of it always there. He was always keen to keep players away from “The Troubles” and the potential to “get involved” doing more for the GAA and the players than many ever knew.
From collecting players as far away as Bundoran and bringing them home and back to the County Donegal resort, to calling to homes to encourage players to stay involved with football at St Enda’s, every player he worked with has similar stories.
The idea for the event stemmed from last year when the minors from fifty years ago came together and many of the most memorable stories centred around Jackie’s involvement. To remember him a special award in being finalised focused on youth football in the club and it’s hoped family members of the late Jackie will be able to attend.
An appeal then for players who played in any teams managed by Jackie over the years to come along. The event starts at 8-30 and will feature interviews , photos, recorded video interviews, a bite to eat and without doubt plenty of craic and stories.
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