Norman Farragher The Galway Co Board GAA President, Mr Norman Farragher, was laid to rest in his native area, after spending the last number of years living in Co. Wexford. His death had occurred - after a long illness - at Macmurrough, New Ross, Co. Wexford. Norman (83) was throughout his life an active man in the GAA circles having served in his native Fohenagh, in the East Galway GAA Board, and in the latter years as Honourary President of the County Board. Mr. Farragher played a minor part as mentor of the great Fohenagh County Senior Championships of 1959 and 1960 and also served as a referee of many hurling games. He had resided in the parish of Fohenagh and worked with the Ballinasloe Urban Council and later with Galway Co Council until his retirement, when he then moved to the birthplace of his wife in Co. Wexford. His remains were welcomed back to his native Fohenagh by a large Guard of Honour from the Ahascragh/Fohenagh Hurling Club, former players from the Fohenagh championship winners, and Co Galway GAA officials, led by Chairman, Frank Burke; Secretary, Bernie O'Connor and former GAA President, Joe McDonagh, as well as many of his old comrades from his years as an official and officer of the GAA from all over Galway and the West. At the funeral ceremonies many tributes were paid to the enormous contribution which Norman Farragher made to his community and especially to the GAA, both as a respected officer and as a well-known referee. Those contributions were made over a long number of years and had a profound effect on the love of both the community and that of the GAA. His remains were welcomed to St. Patrick's Church, Fohenagh by Very Rev Fr Christy McCormack, PP, Fohenagh, Rev Fr Paddy Devine, Missionary Lowville, and Very Rev Fr Nicholas Murray, PP Kilconnell. The burial took place at Ahascragh Cemetery after Concelebrated Requiem Mass. The church was once again packed to overflowing as final tributes were paid. He was predeceased by his son Turlough and is survived by his wife Mary, daughter, Aisling; son-in-law, James; grandchildren, Sean and Cormac; brothers, Raymond and Oliver; sister, Mrs Georgina Kenny (Cappataggie); sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune 17 February 2006 Tweet

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