St. Nathy’s blessed with Fr. Paul’s influence

For Fr. Paul Kivlehan, being involved with the St. Nathy’s College football team is a blessing. The Ballaghaderreen-based priest says simply being part of the players’ sporting journeys has been a tremendous source of pride.

“It is a huge privilege to work with the team. It is very life-giving. Parish life throws up many different challenges, so it is great to be able to come here for an hour during the week, come to training, and travel to games on the bus with the team.

I have been involved with college teams since 2013 when I first came to the parish. I find it very life-giving personally, and I am very privileged and honoured to be involved — not just with this group but with all the other groups we have worked with along the way,” he said.

GAA history is filled with priests and members of the clergy guiding teams to success. Fr. Tommy Maher famously led Kilkenny to seven All-Ireland titles and was instrumental in transforming how the game was played. Archdeacon Michael O’Brien guided Cork to two All-Ireland hurling titles and helped UCC to eight Fitzgibbon Cups, cementing his legacy as another influential clerical figure.

Although the number of clergymen involved in GAA teams has declined, Fr. Paul believes the work of a priest and the work of a team mentor complement each other.

“I suppose it goes hand in hand. As a priest, you are very much involved in a community. You’re trying to pull a lot of strands together. Similarly, in a team there are many different parts that contribute to the end product you see on the field. There are a lot of similarities, and they probably complement each other in many ways,” he explained.

The Ballaghaderreen man knows excitement is building in the school and local GAA clubs. With players such as Dean Casey, James Cassidy, and captain Conor Moriarty — who helped Mayo win the 2024 Connacht minor title — he always has confidence in those chosen to represent St Nathy’s.

Fr. Paul is quick to point out that such talent is strengthened by the players’ desire for continuous improvement.

“You need a bit of luck along the way to go with the talent you have. When we started off this year, we knew the potential was there. But potential is one thing — you also need hard work, dedication, and a willingness to win. This bunch has all the ingredients of a very good and successful team,” he said.

Saturday’s eagerly anticipated showdown with Cnoc Mhuire Granard brings back memories of St Nathy’s previous All-Ireland B title in 2000, when the late John O’Mahony helped guide the school to a historic triumph.

Colm Maye, Ronan Brett, and Fr. Paul are now one win away from joining O’Mahony in delivering All-Ireland B success to the school. Fr Paul believes the former Mayo and Galway manager will be with them in spirit this weekend.

“Just to be mentioned in the same line as John O’Mahony is amazing. We reached the 2018 final, and the first man to ring me after we beat Lucan CBS in the semi-final was Johnno. To receive a phone call from someone like him is a hair-raising moment.

“Johnno was a huge support in the lead‑up to that final, offering advice. To be speaking with an icon of the game was incredible. I am sure he will be with us in spirit this weekend,” he concluded.