Thanks for the Memories
I joined Killarney Athletic in 1971. I was the 23rd man on the squad and it took me 1 ½ years before I got a game—friendly games, yes, first team, no.
In the Anchor Shield final, Killarney Athletic were playing Scartaglin and with 20 minutes to go, a player called Sossie Mullins walked off the pitch and went up to the manager, Joe Grant. “Give the new guy a run,” he said. I got my chance and after being on the pitch for five minutes, I scored a goal. The rest is history!
Sossie and I became the best of friends, even though we never agreed about anything. We had two opposite personalities which often clashed but that was part of our great relationship. What a character!
One other memory I do recall is the day our manager Joe Grant asked me at training if I would travel to Listowel with Woodlawn Rovers. He was dropping me from the squad as I hadn’t scored in a few games. So, I went to Listowel and Woodlawn Rovers won the game.
One goal in particular was an absolute “fluke”! There was an electricity cable running directly over the halfway line. During the game the ball struck the wire. When it came down, I chested it to my feet, looked at the ref who said “Play on!” and that was goal number one. I scored again, 2-0 to Woodlawn Rovers. Billy Doyle the Woodlawn manager was so over the moon he nearly had a pint. Nearly, ok! And Athletic lost their game 3-0 to the Park.
Question: Have any of you gone on loan to another club? I’d love to know!
Yours in Sport,
Toni No. 7
P.S. When we got married, my wife Phil said, “It’s me or the ball!” I played until I was 43. I really loved that ball!
I really loved that ball!
Toni Fleming
Postscript
Remembering Toni
It was with great sadness that the news reached us this morning of the sad passing of one of our truest blues Toni Fleming.
All of us at Killarney Athletic would like to send out sincere condolences to his wife Phil son Stephen,Daughters Lorraine and Amanda,Grandson Ethan,great Grandkids Maddie and Theo.
Also John,Jer and Domi.
Also to his Sister in Law Ger Our Former Chairperson and to Toni's extended Family.
Toni joined the Club in 1971 played for many years and was affectionately knows as (Tappy No 7 )for his goal scoring abilities.
Toni was also Chairman of the Club on two occasions
In recent years, Toni was at Athletic early every morning, taking care of whatever needed to be done, with no task ever too big or too small.
Toni will be greatly missed; a true gent and a wonderful clubman.
Rest Easy Toni you won't be forgotten from the Blues