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Six years ago, a breath of fresh air came to our club in the person of Nicky Power. Nicky started out as a supportive parent who not only supported his beloved son Barry, but was vocal in his support of all players in the teams. It was this quality which was identified by the club when, three years ago we asked Nicky to assist with our current Under 14 squad.
From the start Nicky brought a new dimension and his first season saw us win the Under 12 league and cup double locally. It was during the Under 12 season that Nicky’s sporting rivalry with Clonmel Town began. We lost on penalties twice in the Under 12 SFAI cup and Nicky’s disappointment at these defeats gave him and the team a desire to achieve more in the SFAI cup arena.
The following season’s Under 13 SFAI cup draw gave an early opportunity to avenge the penalty defeats and nobody was happier than Nicky when we defeated Clonmel Town on penalties to qualify for the national stages of the competition. Last week we met Clonmel Town for the third season in succession and sadly it turned out to be the last match played by this team before his untimely passing. No doubt he approved of the result.
The SFAI cup run last season was one of the two major highlights of Nicky’s all too brief time with the club. Nothing epitomised Nicky’s attitude to life more than his insistence on being on the line during the quarter final against Kingdom Boys despite his illness. Nicky’s enormous pride on the team reaching the semi final, only to be narrowly defeated by Crumlin, was matched only by the huge support he received from the players in the team during his illness, something we know he deeply appreciated.
Nicky will also be remembered for his international experience. Nicky travelled to Holland and Manchester with the club, and it is Manchester that he will forever be associated. After seeing a number of Manchester Cup final defeats, Nicky was determined to see a victory. His excitement when the Under 12 team achieved a first Manchester Cup victory for the club will never be forgotten. Later that evening, he was being appointed Premier manager by his adoring fans!
Nicky’s last game involved with the team saw us take the Under 13 cup last July. Though we had a lot of success on the pitch, Nicky believed that the friendships that both he and Barry made in the club were of more importance.
The grief which has been expressed by players, fellow managers, committee and parents since his passing on Friday show the high esteem with which Nicky was held by all he met. His presence will be deeply missed around the club.
We extend our deepest sympathy, and offer our support to Antoinette, Kelda and Barry and to his parents, brothers and sisters. As mark of respect all club fixtures were postponed at the weekend.
May he Rest in Peace.
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