Hill Happenings

A multitude of Mission Hill fans were among the large crowd who attended the Xaverian High School-Everett High football game on a pleasant Saturday afternoon last month in Westwood. The allure was rugged fullback Kenny Kern, from the Mission Hill Kern kinfold. Xaverian, perhaps the best football team in the state, was victorious 21-14, but the game was only part of the festivities. As I approached the stadium, the aroma from the food invigorated me for the pre-game Mission Hill tailgating.

Kenny is a battler on the gridiron and off the field he is a fine gentleman. He is considering West Point or attending an Ivy League school next year. Kenny’s dad, Ed Kern, hails from Mission Hill. He was also a terrific athlete at Xaverian, excelling in hockey and football. Kenny’s beloved grandfather, the late Ed Kern, would be proud of his grandson. The elder Ed Kern was a machinist, and he worked from his Mission Hill shop (next to Flann O’Brien’s) for many years.

Faces in the football crowd included John O’Brien, a legendary Mission Hill dancer in the ’60s, and George “Big Money” Harris, an elite local Texas Hold’em player.

 

It’s nice to see Randy Susan Meyers doing so well, having recently published her third book, “Accidents of Marriage.” It is an excellent novel about a marriage undermined by a partner’s rage. Randy, who lives in JP, was a Mission Hill resident for many years. Back in the ’80s she wrote for the Mission Hill Good News. I also wrote for that paper, and I have fond memories of my Good News days, working with wonderful people like Randy and Kris Alden.

Thirty-five years ago this month, the Killilea Club won their final Boston Park League championship, defeating the North End Raiders 14-12, witnessed by a large crowd at Town Field in Dorchester.

Killilea controlled the game with their superb ground game as Wally Gleeson, Joe Ryan and thumping John Breen carried the pigskin through and around the North End defenders. A late interception by Billy Cosby sealed the Killilea victory.

Boston firefighter Fred Adams is back working at Engine 37 on Huntington Ave. after working other assignments. It’s always nice to see Fred, a Mission Hill man, in the neighborhood.

Condolences to the family of Andy McParland, who passed away last month in Connecticut. Andy was a fun-loving guy and I shared many laughs with him, especially when Andy was the coach of the Owls Nest in the Mission Hill Softball League. Andy loved the softball league, and he also enjoyed the after the game barroom banter.

The Killilea Club football team poses before the 1979 championship game against the North End Raiders at Town Field in Dorchester. (Photo by Al Ruell)

The Killilea Club football team poses before the 1979 championship game against the North End Raiders at Town Field in Dorchester. (Photo by Al Ruell)

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