The James Geraghty Cup

James was from Killasser, and grew up around the Swinford area. He attended Carramore National School and played football with Swinford from Under-8 right through to Under-18.

Football was a big part of his younger years, and Swinford GAA remembered him as a talented and committed player. One of the memories shared after his passing was an East Mayo Under-17 final where James scored the winning goal for Swinford.

For me, though, James was much more than somebody I knew from around home. I went to school with James and knew him for years. He loved cars, and especially his Audi A4. Cars were something we both had an interest in, and he would often give me a hand with them when I needed it.

He loved tractors as well. We had a garden at home of around two acres, so cutting the grass was never a small job. James used to come up with the tractor and cut it for us. They are simple memories, but they are the kind of things I think about when I think of him.

That personal connection is a big part of why I wanted the main Gaelic 4 Good trophy to carry James’ name.

When James passed away, the messages from his family, friends, teammates, neighbours and people around Killasser and Swinford showed how much he meant to the people who knew him. He was remembered as a kind and gentle person, and there was a huge amount of affection for him throughout the community.

The James Geraghty Cup is our way of keeping his name part of something positive.

Every year, players will compete for a trophy carrying James’ name, and every time it is lifted, there will be a story and a person behind it. For me, that was always the most important part of naming the cup after him.