The home of soccer in County Clare is to be officially renamed on Friday October 21st.
Based on the Quin Rd in Doora, the County Grounds are to be named in honour of one of Clare soccer’s greatest servants, the late Frank Healy.
Frank Healy was born in Kilmaley in 1935, he emigrated to Manchester in the 1950s to find work and later returned to his native village in 1969. During his time in England he played with the Rovers Return who were in the Solford Amateur League. Upon returning to Clare he commenced playing with Lifford FC.
In 1973, Frank was instrumental in the founding of Kilmaley Utd. He became the club’s first Chairman and manager. Three years later he was elected to the committee of the CDSL and remained on it until his death in March 2015. Healy was one of the founding members of the Clare Schoolboys Soccer League (CSSL) in 1986.
During his stint as Chairman of the CDSL, Frank was a key man behind the purchase of the current site at the County Grounds which is soon to be named Frank Healy Park.
FAI delegates and CEO John Delaney will be in attendance for the renaming with a reception to take place followed by a league match under lights.
Gerard Healy, a son of the late Frank told The Clare Herald “This is a momentous occasion for the Healy family and for everyone that was involved in soccer with Dad down through the years. We really appreciate this gesture by the Clare League and would love to see as many of our friends and family turn up on the evening to commemorate my Dad’s love and dedication to Clare soccer down through the years”.