The Late Bill McDonald William (Bill) McDonald passed away peacefully at his home in Moffat Street, Hacketstown recently following a short illness. In his early years Bill worked as a farrier and subsequently for many years after worked as a fitter in Duffy's of Hacketstown. In the 1950s he was a member of Clonmore GFC team. The success of that team on the county stage was a source of great pride to Bill particularly as he was joined on the team by his brothers Paddy and Ned. Bill always took an interest in the Club and was an officer for Clonmore GFC in the early 1970s. In 1980 Bill got involved in Hacketstown Community Games and so began a lifelong association with the Games. For the next 24 years he was always there to help out the various committees and later became president of Hacketstown Community Games. Such was Bill's interest in the Games that he was also vice president of County Carlow Community Games, a position he held until the time of his death. Bill's input and commitment to Hacketstown Community Games was evident to all and even now his passing there are reminders of the years he gave to the Games. The marker used to mark the athletic track was made by Bill almost 20 years ago while he also took it on himself to make the rostrum and hurdles, which are now a valuable facility for young people in the area. Every year Bill looked forward to the county athletic finals and was chief steward for many years. One of the duties he particularly enjoyed was organising the parade, which was represented by every area in the county all full of enthusiasm and looking forward to the exciting finale of months of training and preparation. One of the traits people will remember fondly about Bill was his ability to speak his mind and whether you always had the best interest of Hacketstown Community Games on his mind. Bill loved going to the national finals in Mosney and last August even though he wasn't feeling well, Bill summoned up the resolve to travel both days. Bill's remains were removed to St Brigid's Church, Hacketstown and laid to rest the next day in Hacketstown Cemetery. As a mark of respect to Bill, Hacketstown Community Games both past and present formed a guard of honour both days, joined by area and county personnel and Clonmore GFC members. Bill's remains were received by Fr McDonnell and Fr McCormack. Bill is survived by his wife Chrissie, son David and daughter-in law Michelle, his sister and brothers, relatives and a large circle of friends. Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist 25th February 2005 Tweet

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