O'Grady, Frank
October 08, 2010The death occurred late last month of Frank O'Grady who at the time of his death was Honorary life president of the Galway county Camogie board.
Frank, of 15 Emmet Avenue, Mervue, was born in 1929 in Castlepollard in County Westmeath. After completing his early education he immigrated to England. He remained there for 14 years and returned to Galway City 1964 where he set up home with his wife Margaret and young family in Mervue.
A short time later Frank was instrumental in setting up the Mervue GAA Club and soon afterwards was one of the leading lights in forming the Mervue Camogie Club.
In 1970 frank took over the reins of Galway County Camogie Board chairperson. Success on the National playing fields soon followed and in 1972 he seen Galway junior Camogie team win its first All-Ireland title. In 1977 under his astute leadership Galway U16 team took its first underage side to the presentation rostrum.
Through the seventies frank would combine his chairperson duties with the role of mentor with several Galway teams and with Connacht teams in the Gael Linn competitions.
Frank teamed with Bridget Broderick (former County Secretary) in setting up the primary schools competition which became such a huge success to this present day. He also played a notable of a county under 14 team their Dublin counterparts which would be played in alternative venues in both counties.
Mr O'Grady became President of Connacht Council in 1978 and was also provincial delegate to Central Council for many years. In 1996 Frank's great dream was realised when Galway won it first ever senior crown in Croke Park. In 1997 he was duly elected as Honorary Life President of Galway Camogie Board - an honour he richly deserved.
A lifelong pioneer and non smoker Frank was a kind unassuming gentleman who never sought the limelight. He helped unselfishly to bring Camogie from its humble beginnings to where it stands today a prime National female Sport. His legacy to the sport spans over four decades.
A devoted husband, father, granddad, great granddad, friend, colleague and neighbour. The large crowds at his removal and mass at the Holy Family Church Mervue were a rich tribute to a sporting legend that was Frank O'Grady.
A guard of honour on both days was formed by present and past officers of Galway Camogie Board, former players and his beloved club officers - now St James GAA, Club Mervue.
He is survived by his wife Margaret, sons, daughters, brothers, grandchildren, great grand children, nieces, nephews and friends.
Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune 8/10/10 Tweet
