Robert McKiernan was born December 30, 1975.  He grew up in Pearl River.  At about 7 years of age he started to play Irish football.  He used to practice at Pearl River High School and Orangetown soccer fields.  He played with all the teams up to the under 18's.  He went to Ireland twice with the under 16's in 1988 and 1992.  Robert was delighted to be picked for the NY under 18 all stars in 1993 and 1994.  He travelled to Ireland with them and competed with teams from Ireland, England and Canada.  He also played soccer with the Orangetown Mighty Midgets.      Robert attended St. Margaret's grammar school, where he was nicknamed the mayor.  I don't know what benefits went with that, but he seemed to know everyone around town.  He played basketball at St. Margaret's.  He went to Nanuet High School, and was captain of both the basketball team and soccer team.  We had alot of fun when Pearl River and Nanuet played against each other in basketball.  We always looked forward to the games since Robert knew the Pearl River players from playing basketball with them at St. Margaret's.  After he graduated from Nanuet, Robert went on to SUNY Cortland .      Robert was always a hard worker.   One of his first jobs was a paper route.  I used to drive him around with the Sunday papers because they were so heavy.  One time he said he would take care of it and I didn't have to drive him.  Later that night when I asked how he made out he said "Fine, I delivered them with a wheelbarrow." I almost passed out laughing.     He was an outgoing, funny and spirited person.  He really enjoyed playing Irish football and travelling back to Ireland.  He is greatly missed.  It is an honor that the Rockland GAA hold this field day in his memory.