Dillon, Seamus
March 11, 2011The 32 year old fought bravely for eight days in Sligo General Hospital before passed away in the presence of his family and close friends.
It was a tragic end to what was already a sad but brave 18 months for the former county player. In August 2009, Seamus was involved in a serious car accident on his way to work in Shannonbridge, Co. Galway. As a result of his injuries, he was paralysed from the neck down. Despite this life-altering disability, Seamus demonstrated such inner strength and determination to enjoy life to best of his ability. As stated in his GAA club's appreciation note in the sports page, Seamus approached his disability as another mere obstacle and proved to be a huge source of inspiration to the many people who had the fortune of meeting him.
He fought for many months to rightly secure his own motorised wheelchair, which offered him independence and freedom to enjoy his love of the outdoors. During last Saturday's Eulogy, Father Phair remarked on how he was like a child with a new toy at Christmas with the chair and was so thrilled to be able to explore the outdoors once again on his own.
Unfortunately, it was during one of these trips last Wednesday that Seamus got into difficulty and despite the best efforts of the paramedics and staff at Sligo General, his condition deteriorated over the eight days.
As reiterated by his many friends at the ceremony, the manner in which Seamus fought during those days as well as his initial accident almost defied medical logic. It was a testament to his strong character and resolve that he fought until the bitter end.
A symbol of his love for the outdoors was presented last Saturday with a bunch of daffodils and fishing rod. His club and county jerseys were also presented, representing his lifelong membership of Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher and playing days with Leitrim.
Having proved himself through the ranks of underage level, Seamus played for the county U 21 side and subsequently made the senior team in 1999. He made his national league debut against Dublin and championship debut against Roscommon.
Unfortunately, tragedy hit the Glenfarne/ Kilty club in July of that year with the sudden death of Gerard Gallagher during a league game against Allen Gaels. Gerard and Seamus were next-door neighbours, one of six boys in each household and had grown up together in the small village of Kiltyclogher. Just three years ago, Seamus suffered another blow when his own brother and former County minor star, Padraig, also died.
Despite such personal tragedy, Seamus embraced life with such rigour and enthusiasm and was the ideal role model for young people and hence his success in co-managing the underage teams in the club.
He captained his beloved club and while success was limited, it mattered little to him- it was the pride of the jersey and participation that was important to him.
This positive attitude was most evident in the last 18 months when faced with such adversity. That beaming smile rarely left his face, as he was ready and willing to embrace his new life.
As Father Phair, recited during last Saturday morning's Eulogy, many people visited Seamus to offer comfort and solace yet it was he, through his words of hope and happiness, that many left feeling better and braver. His disability was merely another obstacle and he was unwilling to let it dictate his life and ambitions.
He was humbled and overwhelmed by level of support and generosity shown through the various events organised by The Seamus Dillon Trust Fund, including last October's Match of the Season game in Carrick-on-Shannon.
It was poignant that many of those who participated in that event and who lined out with him during his playing days with Leitrim carried his coffin and joined in the many Guard of Honours as he made the final journey last Friday night. Indeed, hundreds of GAA stars from within Leitrim and further afield travelled long distances to pay respects to whom they regarded as the 'real hero' of the GAA world. Both the Glenfarne/Kilty and Leitrim jerseys were placed on his coffin as a mark of his love for the game.
In a moving tribute to their team member, the Glenfarne/ Kiltyclogher club said they enter the new league season with an overwhelming sense of grief but are determined to play in honour of his memory.
"As we face into another season, we do so with a heavy heart. Seamus instilled a spirit of hope, passion and courage and we vow to carry this in every game. We take some comfort knowing he is with his brother Padraig and Gerard - but it is a small consolation."
Seamus is survived by his parents, Jim and Mary Ann, four brothers Denis, Thomas, Sean and Francis, partner Eimear and extended family and friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.
Courtesy of the Leitrim Observer
11th March 2011 Tweet
