Yet again our summer seniors football competition was a major success and I must tell you that if it wasn’t for Stanley from Alasta Autos this event would not have gone ahead.

Prior to Alasta Autos, Dublin Docklands were our sponsors. Thanks are due to them for their help in the past.

I am sure everyone knows the competition is now called the ‘Noel Fox Memorial Tournament’.
With Markievicz Celtic being runaway winners, 3:0 over St Pat’s CY, with goals from Luke Egan (2) and Philip Crow (1). Goal of the tournament went to Paul Whelan with his quality overhead kick, and player of the tournament going to the man of many words– Alan Farrell.

On talking to the Markievicz Manager, Joe Coleman, after the game (who’s back as top man), he said that the players won it for Noel. I dedicate this article to Noel Fox who recently passed away. The inspiration came from his son Paul and myself.

Noel, like any child, was football mad. At the age of 17 he signed for Markievicz Celtic, where not only was he a key figure in the centre of the pack but, believe it or not, he played more as centre half. For those who lined up against him thinking, because of his height, that they were in for a handy one, well they were way off. Noel could win any ball regardless.

Unfortunately, Noel hung up his boots at the age of 28 years. This was due to back pain which is a common complaint among footballers. Typical Noel, in 1974, although he had stopped playing he wanted to be involved with sport and young people.

Over the next couple of years Noel was involved in summer projects, schools sports and community games. He was also active in a local running club who ran in Belgium. To add to Noel’s excitement and enthusiasm one of his daughters participated in Belgium. He was the kind of man who would help out any cause.

It was in 1977 that Noel was really missing his ideal sport. Father Paul Tyrell got in touch with the young talent in the area, the likes of Liam Kelly, John Young, Paul Delaney and Paul Delmar, to name but a few and this was the start of the famous club Quayside. Father Tyrell had his hands full and no better man did he call on only, yes, our Noel. After two seasons Father Tyrell moved on to another parish and Noel was left holding the reins.

Quayside, by now in the CYC League, was under Noel’s guidance promoted to the AUL League. I played with Quayside and to me Noel was not only a manager but a friend. Noel’s memory will always live on because every time I see the Liffey it comes back to me and I am sure many others. I remember it was there that he made us run around to wind down after training.

Unfortunately, Quayside folded in 1996 and now it was time for Noel to fall back to his old roots, yes Markievicz Celtic. Over the years, Noel with Markievicz, saw the good and bad times, but to be honest there was more good than bad.

Noel’s son, Paul, remembers his father through thousands of things but mostly through football. He remembers his dad being present at his very first game– something he will never forget.

Noel is survived by his beautiful wife Mae, daughters Laurenta and Alison and his son Paul, also, as Noel would say, his ‘outlaws’ and seven lovely grandchildren.

Noel, from players and people who knew you, you will always be in our hearts.

Top: Noel Fox (RIP)

Above left: Markievicz Celtic