Moran, John J

May 26, 2006
The late John J. Moran The death took place in New York of John J. Moran. Born in Shanclough, Craughwell in 1921, he left Ireland in 1949 for Canada and spent a year working in Toronto before moving to New York and settling in the Bronx. He lived there for almost fifty years. John was actively involved in the Irish Community there for many years and was an Officer and a member of the Galwayman's Association of New York and was also a member of the fundraising committee for the building of the Cathedral in Galway. This committee raised an enormous contribution through various activities and functions in New York. But John Moran was even better known for his exploits with the Galway Hurling Club ... because of the widespread emigration from Ireland at the time, the standard of hurling in cities where it was played was very high. This was especially true in New York, where Galway were one of the leading clubs. John, having played with Craughwell for many years, had no problem making the transition to the Galway Senior team in New York and success came their way in 1951 when Galway won the New York League and Championship. He continued to play for many years and captained the senior team in 1957. When his playing days were over, he continued to be involved. As Manager, he led them to an historic three-in-a-row in 1966. That Galway team were undoubtedly one of the greatest ever to play in Gaelic Park. They enjoyed tremendous support attracted crowds of up to 3,500 people. As a result of his success with Galway, John became Manager of the New York senior team. He never lost interest in hurling and continued to frequent Gaelic Park each Sunday. A life long reader of the Connacht Tribune, he remained very much in tune with events back home right through all the years living in the United States. John thoroughly enjoyed his trips home where he would meet up with family and friends and his old team mates. After having lived most of his life within a stone's throw of Gaelic Park, he and his wife, moved to upstate New York and there he enjoyed his retirement in the company of family and friends. John had a special love for his grand children. He passed away just days short of his 85th birthday. John is survived by his wife Josephine (Patsy); daughters, Mary-Ellen, Patricia, Margaret and their families, and by his sister Phil Cahill, Shanbally. He was predeceased by his sister, Mollie Ruane, Ballymana, and his brother, Paddy Shanclough. Courtesy of The Connacht Tribune 26 May 2006

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