An important and unique event will take place in Glaslough, Co Monaghan, Ireland at 6pm on August 20th 2011.
Its a commemoration event to honor one of the most important football men of his generation.
John McKenna was born to Patrick McKenna and Jane McCrudden in the parish of Donagh on January 3rd 1855.
John went on to become the first ever manager of Liverpool Football Club and was also The Football League President for 26 years.
With the support of the Heritage section of Monaghan County Council and other interested parties David Moen and other John McKenna followers are organising a number of events, including the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to John McKenna.
Representatives of Liverpool FC, The Football League. Everton FC and the Football Association of Ireland will attend.
Glaslough – 6pm – 20th August 2011.
However, it was McKenna who seemed to be more involved with team affairs and he could not have had a better start to his new career, beating Rotherham Town 7-1 in a friendly in our first ever match on home turf on September 1, 1892.
Due to his trips north of the border to acquire players, the first team he fielded, had no Englishmen. They were known as the team of ‘Macs’, with McBride, McQueen and McVean to name but a few.
At the end of the first season, McKenna – also acting as secretary to the club – had written to the FA without anyone’s knowledge, and requested election to the Football league.
McKenna’s vision for the club was now apparent. Due to the old test match system, and no automatic promotion, Liverpool found themselves in a play-off situation with last placed Newton Heath (Manchester United).
They eased to a 2-0 victory and in doing so finally achieved First Division status.
Despite relegation in 1895, Liverpool became known for their fighting spirit and began to flourish.
In 1915, McKenna handed over the chairmanship to WR Williams, but remained at the helm. By this time, McKenna had become a well respected figure in football.
After serving Liverpool for over 40 years, ‘Honest’ John McKenna died in March of 1936.
Like John Houlding, his friend and business partner before him, his coffin was carried through the city by three Liverpool players and three Everton players and a commemorative plaque to him remains in the foyer in Anfield.
Lets hope his spirit lives with us to a victory v Arsenal today.
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