Fr. Val Hynes, A Portrait

Fr. Val Hynes was the youngest son of the late John and Mary Ellen Hynes, Skehenagh, Ballintubber. He was educated in Ballintubber National School and when Eamon Jennings introduced Gaelic football to his young pupils Val took to it like a duck to water.
He also attended Ballinafad College, the S.M.A College, Kilcolgan, Co Galway and Drumintine S.M.A College, Newry, Co Down. Most Rev. Eugene O Doherty, Bishop of Dromore, ordained him to the Priesthood on December 16th 1970 at the Cathedral of St Patrick and Coleman, Newry, Co Down.
He has spent his life since his Ordination serving as an S.M.A Priest in the more remote regions of West Africa. His work building schools and Churches, health centres and caring for the poor and needy is indeed legendary.
During the sixties he served Ballintubber G.A.A Club at every available opportunity. He is remembered as a strong rugged player- a ‘no-nonsense’ forward with a touch of real class.
His many friends in Ballintubber fondly remember him and eagerly look forward to meeting him on his all too rare vacations to his native Skehenagh.
Val! We hope you enjoy reading this about your old Club and who knows it may inspire you to do a bit of Gaelic football coaching in Nigeria.