Southend United stalwarts honoured by Mayor
Pictured at City Hall where a Mayoral Reception was giving to the Carey brothers Francis and Brendan by Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford Cllr Jody Power, to acknowledge over 50 years of exceptional dedication and service to Southend United FC, from left are, Francis Carey, Metropolitan Mayor Jody Power and Brendan Carey. Photos: Joe Evans & Noel Browne.
It was a special day for Southend United at City Hall, Waterford recently as two Waterford brothers Francie and Brendan Carey were afforded a Mayoral Reception.
The well-known Carey brothers have given over 50 years dedicated service to their local soccer club, Southend United FC and continue daily to ensure the smooth running and development of the club. Southend United was founded in 1957 and has its home in Carriganard.
Cllr. Jody Power, Mayor of the Metropolitan District of Waterford City, welcomed Francie and Brendan Carey, their family and friends to the Mary Strangman Room in City Hall, giving a special welcome to their mother Agnes. A large number of current and past members of Southend United were also in attendance, along with three of their players who played underage International for Ireland last year.
Mayor Power spoke of the history of volunteering in the Carey family and recalled their late father Seamus Carey who himself gave over 40 years of service as a member and conductor of St. Patrick’s Brass Band (now Waterford and City Brass).
He also spoke of Brendan’s time with Waterford United F.C. and the golden years of the Club, Brendan an FAI Cup Medal Holder went on to play in the European Cup Winners Cup travelling to Malta, Gothenburg, Georgia and Moscow, however throughout this time, he continued to work alongside his brother Francie, building up the schoolboy and senior teams, marking pitches, putting up nets and raising funds for Southend United.
Francie, who is currently President of the Club, along with the day to day work at the pitch, drove on many initiatives including the Southend Lotto Draw, Flag Days and Grant Applications.
Paddy Dooley, Chairperson of Southend United, spoke about the work the two brothers did on a daily basis, while also thanking current members of Southend United, who were now following in their footsteps.
The Mayor then presented well-known Waterford man Henry Russell with a special recognition award for his years of support and dedication to the club.
Speaking on behalf of the brothers, Francie Carey thanked the Mayor and Waterford City and County Council for the recognition and for affording them such an honour. He spoke of all the good times they had spent in the Club and highlighted some of the many other members and supporters who had stood alongside them over the years, including well-known local character Daw Baw (Eddie) Power.
Francis thanked his mother for her ongoing support and encouragement and also recognised the support of their sister Janet, Brendan’s wife Patty and their children, Patrick, Paul and Laura Carey.
He made special mention to those in the room who were now working on new fundraising initiatives and thanked them for their time and efforts. Francie finished by highlighting his hopes for increased membership in the club and how vital it was to ensure this historic club would continue for generations to come.
