Louth Obituaries 2009
Linda McDonnell (Dundalk) Dundalk was plunged into mourning by the untimely death of Linda McDonnell on December 2, 2008. A native of Ballsgrove in Drogheda, Linda (nee Farrell) was the wife of former Gaels and Louth footballer Davy McDonnell. She was aged just 44 and leaves behind three young children – Shane, Katie and Holly. At the age of just eleven, Linda won an Ulster championship medal for Irish dancing. She also won the Dundalk Maytime Festival and was once ‘Mary of Dungloe’ in 1984. Denis ‘Dee’ O’Kane (Dundalk) Dee passed away in Mullingar on Novermber 17, 2008 aged 84. He was originally from Donegal and moved to Dundalk when he was ten. He became interested in sports while attending Marist College and went on to play football for the Louth minors. He also represented Dundalk Rugby Club. Anthony Rooney (Louth village) Tremendous sadness was caused by the passing at his Fern Drive home on November 23, 2008 of Anthony Rooney. Anthony loved football of all codes and lined out for most of his career with Glyde Rangers, winning a junior championship medal as goalkeeper in 1962. He also played for St Mochtas towards the end of his footballing days but returned to Glyde as a selector and committee member. In 2007, he was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame. Anne O’Neill (Louth village) Anne O’Neill from Channonrock, who passed away on November 25, 2008 was a member of a well-known family from the Knockbridge area. ‘Nancy’ was born Anne Marry and her family are all deeply involved in the GAA as members of the St Brides club. Her late brother Nicky was a former County Board chairman. Paddy Byrne (Knockbridge) The late Paddy Byrne from Ballybarrack, Knockbridge, Dundalk was an ardent follower of St Brides GFC and Louth GAA throughout his life. Paddy passed away on December 4, 2008 aged 84. Only six weeks earlier, his brother Michael ‘Huckle’ Byrne – the great Louth footballer – died. Paddy himself enjoyed a lengthy playing career with the Brides, up until the age of 42. His last-ever appearance for the club was on the team that won the Ranafast Cup final in 1964. Twenty-one years earlier, he wore the No.5 shirt on St Brides’ only SFC-winning side and that senior medal was one of his most treasured possessions. After retiring, Paddy rarely missed a Brides club game or a Louth league or championship match. James Martin (Louth village) The late James ‘Jem’ Martin from Ard Patrick was a well-known member of the farming community. Originally from Ballykelly, he supported the St Mochtas club all his life. His sons Pat and Ollie lined out for the Mochtas and are prominent members of the Louth village club. Bonnie Smyth (Haggardstown) Bonnie Smyth of Murphy’s Cross, Dublin Road passed away on December 4, 2008. He served his community with distinction throughout his life and was a former Geraldines supporter and committee member. John Moran (Dundalk) The death occurred on December 5, 2008 of John Moran from Central Avenue. John held an enormous passion for gaelic games all his life and loved to attend matches all over the Wee County, in Croke Park, and further afield. Paddy Halpenny (Philipstown) The death of Paddy Halpenny saw Philipstown robbed of one of its most popular members. Born in 1940, Paddy lived all his life in the local community and he contributed greatly to St Kevins GFC over the years. He served the club as treasurer and also played for the club when required, or stood in as umpire – or any other task that was required. Paddy was voted Louth Club Worker of the Year in 1982 and St Kevins Club Worker of the Year in 1996. He was also an ardent follower of the Dubs and a Dublin jersey adorned his coffin during Paddy’s final journey. Jim McCoy (Ardee) Ardee lost one of its most loved residents with the passing on November 13, 2008 of Jim McCoy from Harristown. Jim had a deep love of the GAA and enjoyed nothing more than watching his children or grandchildren out on the field of play. He was an avid supporter of both the Marys and Louth and took great pride in the feats of his brother Barney, who won an All-Ireland medal with the Wee County in 1957. Patrick Fitzpatrick (Dunleer) Pat Fitzpatrick lived all his life on the farm in Rathgory and ran the business himself from the age of 14. A dry stock farmer, he was also a keen family man and had a great interest in gaelic games, taking in all the action on a Sunday afternoon. Johnny Carolan (Ardee) Much sadness followed the death on December 16, 2008 of Johnny Carolan, Stickillen, Ardee. Johnny had a keen interest in the GAA. He played for the Sean O’Carrolls club in his early days and was one of the first players to line out for St Kevins after the club was founded in 1948. He followed Louth and also had an interest in the fortunes of the home of gaelic football – Kerry. He made friends with many past and present Kingdom players during his annual visits to Killarney. Katie Halpen (Castlebellingham) The late Katie of Station Road was an ardent supporter of Louth GAA. In her younger days, she often cycled to Croke Park to support the Reds. Kathleen Coburn (Dundalk) Kathleen Coburn (nee McArdle), who passed away on December 31, 2008 was a member of one of Faughart’s best-known families. Wife of former TD George Coburn, she was brought up in a strong GAA family. All her brothers played for Roche Emmets and one of them – Jim McArdle – was a member of Louth’s 1957 All-Ireland winning panel. Jim ‘Doc’ Butterly (Collon) Jim ‘Doc’ Butterly was one of Collon’s all-time greats. A powerful, strong, robust and fair full back, his broad chest filled out the jerseys of Mattock Rangers and Louth formidably. He grew up in Collon village and played football with the local club from a very young age. In 1960, he was on the Mattock team that landed the junior second division crown. Twelve months later he collected a JFC medal and, incredibly, the following year, he helped Mattock all the way to the SFC final, wherein they lost to Newtown Blues. In 1961, Jim was on the Louth team that won the All-Ireland junior football championship. He lined out for the Wee County seniors throughout the sixties and was known for his ferocious kick-out. He played for Mattock from 1956 into the early ‘70s and also had a spell with Glen Emmets (having moved to Tullyallen) before hanging up the big boots. Doc often turned his hand to coaching and he led Mattock to the 1968 county minor final. Vincie McArdle (Dundalk) Vincie McArdle had the rare distinction of garnering Louth senior football championship medals with two different clubs. The Lordship native was full forward for Cooley in the 1939 final and bagged 1-1 during the comprehensive defeat of Newtown Blues. The Louth star transferred to Gaels in 1941 and made an immediate impact with the town club, adding SFC souvenirs in 1942 and ’45. His sons Benny, Eugene, Philip and Paul all played with distinction and his grandsons Conall and Eanna were on Dundalk Gaels’ 2007 IFC-winning side. Eddie Jones (Annagassan) Eddie Jones, who passed away on January 26, 2009 was one of Annagassan’s oldest residents and was the last survivor of the great Dillonstown team of 1938. Dillonstown won the old Louth Second Division on Sunday October 2, 1938 when they beat Cooley by 3-2 to 2-2 in Dundalk in atrocious weather conditions. He was right corner back on that team, which was honoured in October 1988 by a special commemorative function. Eddie was a proud man and very much part of the celebrations when Naomh Fionnbarra won the IFC in 2001. Matthew Leslie (Drogheda) Matthew ‘Mickey’ Leslie of 208 St Finian’s Park passed away on December 9, 2008. He lived most of his adult live in Drogheda and was an ardent GAA fan. Matthew represented the Wolfe Tones club for 25 years and lined out for the Louth minors in the 1950s. He was a member of the Defence Forces from 1955 until 1980 and served in the Congo and Cyprus. Jim Lambe (Drogheda) From Georgian Close and originally from Pearse Park, Jim Lambe was well-known in sporting circles in Drogheda, having lined out for Newtown Blues, Pearse Park Rangers and Drogheda United. Throughout his life thereafter, he was an avid follower of gaelic football, soccer and horse racing. Jim Nixon (Castlebellingham) The late Jim Nixon of Loughanmore, Castlebellingham was one of Louth’s best-known GAA referees. Jim passed away on January 8 at the age of 69. He was always available to officiate at men’s and ladies matches and he had a very proud moment in 2001 when asked to referee the county minor final. He also won a junior championship as a player with Sean McDermotts in 1958. A Guard of Honour was formed by St Josephs GFC and Louth Referees. Michael Meyers (Jenkinstown) Though he was born in Wales, Michael Meyers came to love the GAA through the involvement of his stepchildren at club and county level with the Pats and Louth. Husband of Joan, Michael treated his stepchildren Nicola, Ray, Dessie, Denise, Grainne and Karen Finnegan as his own. He was a great supporter of his children and stepchildren and loved to watch the Pats and Louth in action, especially when Ray and Dessie were playing. Ronan Corbett (Dundalk) The town of Dundalk was left in a state of deep shock by the sudden death of 33-year-old Ronan Ward of The Close, St Alphonsus Road in December 2008. ‘Rosie’ was full of life and was a man who got on with absolutely everybody. He was a huge soccer fan but he also had an appreciation for all sports, including rugby and GAA. John Watters (Collon) Collon businessman John Watters, who passed away on February 1, 2009 was the founding chairman of Mattock Rangers GFC. He won an All-Ireland minor medal with Louth in 1936 and was also the first person inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame. John was renowned for his encyclopaedia-like knowledge of all things GAA and was an integral part of the community in Collon. Mattock Rangers GFC provided a Guard of Honour at his removal. Enda Hughes (Dundalk) Dowdallshill GAA club was dealt another cruel blow when one of their key players, Enda Hughes, lost his life in a tragic accident in Letterkenny on February 14, 2009. The Dundalk-based Garda – a Mayo native – died tragically at the stag weekend for his team-mate Eamon Kissane. Enda moved to Dundalk in 2003 and joined the club shortly afterwards. He went on to play a key role in Dowdallshill’s fortunes for the next six years. He made a number of appearances for Louth and was a driving force behind the club’s historic treble win, scoring the winning point in the JFC final. He was a totally committed clubman and a young man who appeared to have his whole life ahead of him. Members of Dowdallshill GF&AC and The Neale GAA club in Mayo formed a Guard of Honour alongside members of An Garda Siochana at his funeral. Tommy McCullagh (Reaghstown) The local community was left all the poorer for the passing on January 24, 2009 of Tommy McCullagh of Calga, Reaghstown, Ardee. Tommy was a founder member of Westerns GFC and had a great love of all sports. He was extremely popular locally. Jimmy Gaffney (Dundalk) The town was saddened when news filtered through of the passing on February 6, 2009 of Jimmy Gaffney from 10 St Alphonsus Road and formerly of Ashbrook. The Cork native lived in Dundalk for 40 years and served in the Irish Army for 24. He played football for Sean O’Mahonys GFC (where he also helped out with minor teams) and was a member of the Louth Referees Association. He was also a keen Manchester United supporter. Sean O’Mahonys GFC provided a Guard of Honour as Jimmy was laid to rest. Roger Lynch (Haggardstown) Roger Lynch of Heynestown, Dundalk was an outstanding footballer with Geraldines and Louth during the Wee County’s golden era. He won Leinster championship medals with Louth at junior and senior levels. A member of a family steeped in GAA tradition, he won a county junior medal with the Geraldines in 1939 and played for four decades before hanging up his boots in the late 70s. He also played soccer for Dundalk, but gaelic football was his first love. He served as a selector and coach and was proud to see his sons John, Kenneth, Michael and Pat all represent Geraldines during their most successful period, winning junior and senior championships. He won four MacArdle Cup medals himself and played at right half forward in the 1950 All-Ireland final at Croke Park. His brother Ronan was also on the panel. Roger gained his Leinster junior medal in 1946. He was just 16 when he lined out at midfield in the 1939 JFC final defeat of St Brides but was well into his 30s when he played in the final of the same competition in 1960. Club members formed a Guard of Honour at Roger’s funeral and his coffin was draped in the flags of Geraldines and Louth. Paul Thornton (Dundalk) The late Paul Thornton of Avenue Road was widely known as a huge Dundalk FC supporter. However, he loved all sports and would also have played gaelic football, rugby and golf in his youth. Brendan McDonnell (St Josephs) From Fane Valley, Brendan McDonnell, who died in February 2009, was a member of a well-known and highly-respected family. His father Michael, who passed away just three months earlier was one of seven footballing brothers and won two Leinster SFCs with the Wee County. John Kirk (Louth) Born and raised in Channonrock, John Kirk passed away on January 22, 2009 at the age of 89. He was an active sportsman in his youth and played football for the now-defunct Fane Rovers club. John also participated in tug-of-war and enjoyed attending football matches and horse racing. Robert Shaw (Ravensdale) A tremendous outpouring of grief was caused by the sudden death on Thursday February 19, 2009 of 12-year-old Robert Shaw, whose family is originally from Ravensdale. Robert was a member of the Kilmacud Crokes club and regularly went to Croke Park with his father and grandfather. Paddy Dunne (Dundalk) Paddy Dunne from Castletown Road passed away on January 26, 2009. He was a native of Portlaoise and played football successfully with the Stradbally club in his youth. Paddy McDonnell (Drogheda) Paddy McDonnell was one of Drogheda’s truly great characters. He grew up in Greenhills and later moved to Morans Terrace. He ran the Top Shop in town for many years and was well known in boxing and snooker circles. He was also a massive Louth GAA supporter and his fundraising exploits saw him named as an honorary president. He was rarely seen without his Louth jacket, especially on match days. Who will ever forget Paddy’s legendary exchange with his good friend and then Meath boss Sean Boylan? Leo Boyle (Greenore) Leo Boyle of Andara Avenue, Dublin 13 and formerly of Euston Street, Greenore passed away at Carlingford Nursing Home on March 10, 2009. Leo was a brother of Eddie Boyle, the former Louth stalwart who was named an All-Time All-Star in 1990. Leo and Eddie lined out together in the full back line on the Cooley Kickhams team that won the 1939 Louth SFC final against Newtown Blues. Their brother Joe was a selector that year. Leo was also deeply involved in GAA affairs when he lived in the USA. Oliver ‘Ollie’ Reilly (Hunterstown) Louth's 1957 All-Ireland SFC winner Ollie Reilly of Hunterstown, Ardee passed away on April 4, 2009. Hunterstown Rovers clubman Reilly wore the No.2 shirt as the Wee County beat Cork by two points at Croke Park to lift the Sam Maguire Cup almost 52 years earlier. Aged just 20 at the time, he was the second-youngest member of the team. Widely regarded as a truly exceptional fielder of the ball, he was an ever-present for Louth throughout their glorious campaign that year and was the fourth member of the 1957 All-Ireland winning team to pass on to his eternal reward. It was while playing with the local Ballapousta school team at the age of 14 that Ollie's football ability was first noticed and he gained a place on the Ardee Parish under 16 team. In 1954 the legendary Ollie won a minor championship medal with Ardee. That year he also gained second division championship and Ranafast Cup medals with Hunterstown Rovers. He also starred on the winning Mid-Louth minor team and was selected at left full on the Louth minor team. Out of minor ranks, he was placed in the last line of defence on the county junior team. He was called upon to play in Croke Park in the National League against Dublin in late 1955. This was his first senior intercounty match, playing in the right half position, marking Dublin's Cathal O'Leary. Ollie's next game was against Kildare in the first round of the 1956 Leinster championship, in the right full back berth, a position he was to make his own for several years. 1957 was the highlight of Ollie's career as he helped Louth to win the Leinster and All-Ireland championships, playing in every game en route to the Sam Maguire Cup. In 1959, Ollie captained Hunterstown Rovers to the Louth junior football championship- the greatest moment in the club's history. He continued to serve his club until his retirement in the mid-sixties. His sons Dennis and Colm also wore the club colours and Dennis lined out for Louth. Jim Cunningham (Dundalk) Dundalk Young Irelands legend Jim Cunningham, who died on April 2, 2009 at the age of 90, was one of the stars of the Louth team that won the Tom Markham Cup (All-Ireland MFC) in 1936. Jim, who lived in Dublin at the time of his death but was formerly from Castletown Road, was amongst the goalscorers as the Wee County eclipsed Kerry (5-1 to 1-8) in the national decider. It was the perfect start to an illustrious club and county career. Jim was only 18 when he broke onto the county senior team for a league match against Kildare at Dundalk’s Athletic Grounds. He scored 4-1 in his third outing, against neighbours Monaghan. Jim played a total of 19 times for the Louth seniors, up until 1945. He was associated with the Dundalk Young Irelands club all his life and it was poignant that the club organised his 90th birthday party shortly before his death. He won six county SFC medals in the Green & Black, between 1938 and 1950, as well as a host of league honours. Jim’s late brother Sean famously scored the winning goal for Louth in the 1957 All-Ireland final. Patsy McShane (Dunleer) The community of Dunleer was saddened by the passing at the age of 90 of Patsy McShane. A quiet man who was very much part of the locality, Patsy was an avid sports follower who supported both Louth and Lannleire enthusiastically. Eugene Burns (Dundalk) Eugene ‘Gene’ Burns of 9 Pinewood Grove, Bay Estate passed away on April 3, 2009 – his 68th birthday. Originally from Monaghan, he moved to Dundalk in 1957. He loved the GAA, especially Na Piarsaigh, for whom his sons played. Members of the club provided a Guard of Honour as Eugene was escorted on his final journey. James ‘Jamesie’ Flynn (Hackballscross) James Flynn from Ballinfull, Hackballscross, Dundalk passed away on April 4, 2009 at the age of 89. A farmer and gifted inventor, he was a founder member of Roche Emmets GFC in the 1940s and this was remembered by the club who provided a Guard of Honour at his funeral and draped a Roche flag across James’ coffin. PJ Begley (Dundalk) Clare native PJ Begley of 53 Old Muirhevna, Dundalk passed away at the age of 90 on April 8 2009. He played gaelic football for Kilfenora, Limerick CIE and the Clare seniors during his own career and remained a staunch GAA follower all his life, regularly travelling to Croke Park. PJ lined out at midfield for the Banner County in 1946, when they got within two points of Kerry in the Munster semi-final. His brother Padraig also played that day. Peter J Conry (Clogherhead) The late Peter J Conry from Clogherhead, who passed on to his eternal reward on April 15, 2009 was an inspiration to many during his life. Aged 85, Peter was honorary president of both Dreadnots GFC and Louth County Board. The Sligo native only moved to Clogherhead in the late 1950s but quickly immersed himself in local affairs and became an intrinsic part of the community. He was a member of the St Brigid’s underage amalgamation with Termonfeckin and held a variety of positions on the Dreadnots board as well as serving Louth County Board as vice-chairman and Leinster Council delegate. Juvenile and adult members of the club formed a Guard of Honour at the removal. Members of Clogherhead Credit Union (of which he was a founder member) and the County Board also contributed to the Guard of Honour. There were four flags draped across Peter J’s coffin – those of St Brigid’s, Louth, Dreadnots and the Credit Union. Tommy Kinahan (Dromiskin) Thomas William ‘Tommy’ Kinahan of Whiterath, Dromiskin passed away on Sunday April 12, 2009, aged 85. He was an ardent supporter of St Josephs GFC and travelled with the Louth Supporters Club to cheer on the Wee County. Stephen Malone (Riverstown) Stephen Malone of Lugbriscan, Riverstown, Dundalk passed away on Easter Sunday 2009 (April 12). An avid supporter of both Cooley Kickhams and Louth, he was present in Croke Park in 1957 to witness Louth winning the Sam Maguire Cup. He played minor football for Cooley for three years and went on to line out at junior as well. Stephen also served on the club committee. Past and present club members provided a Guard of Honour at his removal. John ‘Jack’ Hand (Dunleer) Widely renowned as a skilled ploughman, Jack was born in Ardee in 1924 and developed a great love of the GAA. He was an enthusiastic Wee County supporter who rarely missed a Louth game. Anna Quigley (Dundalk) Anna from 30 Oliver Plunkett Park was the wife of the late Jim Quigley, the former Young Irelands and Louth footballer who famously trained the Wee County in 1957. She supported her husband throughout his GAA career. Carmel White (Blackrock) Carmel White (nee McDonnell) was the wife of former Louth footballer Stephen White. She was also the sister of Jimmy McDonnell, who featured alongside Stephen on Louth’s 1957 All-Ireland winning side. Carmel was the mother of former Louth and Monaghan football star Stefan White. Mollie Curran (Ardee) Mary ‘Mollie’ Curran from Cookstown, Ardee passed away at her residence on May 1, 2009. Mollie’s late husband was a founding member of Sean McDermotts and she was a staunch supporter of the local GAA club all her life. Her sons Sean and Gerard are deeply involved in the club and her grandsons John, Damien, Colin and David all wore the club colours. Mollie became a familiar figure at all club matches and it was fitting that Sean McDermotts GFC members provided a Guard of Honour and acted as pallbearers at her funeral. Sean Hand (Lannleire) Sean Hand of Beechwood Drive, Lannleire was treasurer of Lannleire GFC at the time of his passing on May 4, 2009. Sean had served the club as treasurer for twelve years and was one of the longest-serving members of the Lannleire committee. As a player, he was a member of the 1971 double-winning side that claimed the Division Two championship and Ranafast Cup. He was also a founder member of Dunleer Golf Society. Players from all Lannleire’s teams formed a Guard of Honour at Sean’s funeral, where the club colours were extremely prominent on a sad day for Lannleire GFC. Josephine Moran (Dundalk) Josephine Moran from Marian Park was originally from Dowdallshill and was a keen sportswoman in her younger days, captaining the local camogie team. Pat Larney (Louth village) Pat Larney passed away on May 1, 2009 at the age of 85. A respected member of the farming community in the village, he was a keen supporter of the St Mochtas club and was proud to see his four sons line out for the local team. St Mochtas GFC helped form the Guard of Honour at his removal. Proinsias ‘Francis’ Sharkey (Dundalk) From the Point Road and originally of St Alphonsus Road, Francis Sharkey passed away on May 24, 2009 aged 77. He was a proud Irishman and staunch GAA supporter all his life. Francis was a lifetime member of Dundalk Gaels GFC and served the club in a variety of capacities, including chairman. At the age of 19, he was club secretary when they won the 1952 Louth SFC and also coached juvenile teams. The coffin was draped in the club’s colours and Dundalk Gaels GFC provided a Guard of Honour. George Carolan (Ardee) The death took place on Sunday September 12, 2009 of George Carolan, Drakestown, Smarmore, Ardee. George lined out for Hunterstown Rovers and was goalkeeper on the JFC-winning team of 1959. Half a century on, that ’59 medal was amongst the gifts brought to the altar by George’s grandchildren at his funeral. Sean Quinn (Stabannon) The late Sean Quinn of Braganstown loved gaelic football and horse racing. He was captain of Stabannon Parnells in 1968, when they beat parish rivals O’Connells in the final of the old Second Division. Unfortunately, Sean never got to lift the McEvoy Cup as he’d been sent off following an altercation earlier in the match. The club provided a Guard of Honour at the funeral and Sean’s coffin was draped in the Stabannon colours. John “Jazz” Craven (Drogheda) Though renowned for his exploits in rugby and soccer, the late John “Jazz” Craven was a truly prolific and versatile sportsman, who also played gaelic football with Newtown Blues in his youth. Paul Farrell (Knockbridge) The entire county was stunned by the tragic death on August 11, 2009 of Paul Farrell, a popular young man who had his whole life ahead of him. Aged just 35, Paul was originally from Lisheen Park, Knockbridge but lived at 7 Cherrywood Park, Tallanstown. Paul lined out for St Brides and passed his footballing ability onto his three sons – Dillon, Adam and Corey. A Guard of Honour was provided by the staff of Drummons, St Brides GFC, Glyde Rangers GFC and Ardee Community School. Stephen White (Cooley / Castlebellingham) Louth GAA lost another member of the 1957 All-Ireland winning team with the passing on Sunday September 6, 2009 of their legendary footballer Stephen White. Stephen was arguably Louth's greatest ever footballer - he was certainly one of the county's most decorated! Cooley-born Stephen did the Wee County proud when he was named at left half back on the GAA's Team of the Century. He starred on the Louth side that famously won the Sam Maguire Cup in 1957 and also collected four Leinster SFC medals in the red jersey. In 1999, Stephen - father of former Louth and Monaghan footballer Stefan White - was inducted into the Louth GAA Hall of Fame. He played for Louth for 16 years between 1947 and '62 (making 141 appearances) and also enjoyed an accomplished club career, winning a Ranafast Cup and JFC with his native Cooley before switching to Young Irelands, with whom he tasted SFC glory. The sixth member of the '57 team to pass away, he is widely regarded as Louth's most accomplished footballer ever. Stephen and his late wife Carmel ran a well-known pharmacy in Castlebellingham. Carmel, who also sadly passed away in 2009, was a sister of Jim McDonnell, who also starred on the '57 team. John “Johnny” Manning (Ardee) John Manning of Pepperstown, Ardee passed away on Saturday August 1, 2009 aged 64. Johnny captained John Mitchels to second division championship glory in 1967. An outstanding player in the ‘60s and ‘70s, he played all his football with the Mitchels. He was also talented at darts, pool, rings and draughts. A Guard of Honour was provided by members of the John Mitchels club as well as his former work colleagues from the ESB. John Kerr (Dundalk) From Beechmount Drive, John – who died on August 19 2009. John was a talented footballer in his youth, lining out for both Quay Celtic and Sean O’Mahonys. Catherine Marron (Dowdallshill) Catherine, who passed away on August 2, 2009, aged 86, loved gaelic football and regularly attended matches in St Brigid’s Park. She supported her native Monaghan on the intercounty stage. Terry Brennan (Knockbridge) Terry Brennan was only 19 when he lost his life in a tragic work accident in August 2009. From Knockcor, Knockbridge, Terry was a great footballer with St Brides, and lined out in the 2008 county minor final for St Brides/St Mochtas. He had played right up through the various underage grades with the local club. Terry was also a keen supporter of the Louth county team. His sudden passing at such a young age came as a massive blow to the club and of course to his family and friends. Tom Treanor (Hackballscross) Tom Treanor, Ballinfuil, Hackballscross, Dundalk passed away on July 20, 2009 just eleven days after the death of his wife Cissie. Aged 94, he was a loyal and dedicated member of Roche Emmets GFC, attending all their games as a supporter. Jim Campbell (Carlingford) Jim Campbell of Templetown, Carlingford passed away on June 5, 2009 at the age of 72. He was a lifelong supporter of Cooley Kickhams and regularly attended the local club’s matches. Nicky Hughes (Dundalk) Nicky Hughes from ‘Leish’, Newry Road, lived to the grand age of 86 and was a hugely popular figure around Dundalk. Passionate about all sports, he was a particularly talented gaelic footballer, who starred on the 1941 Louth minor team. Jim “Red” Meehan (Drogheda) The fifth member of Louth's last All-Ireland SFC winning team in 1957 passed away with the death of left full back Jim 'Red' Meehan, Drogheda, who was also a member of the Meath panel for their first Sam Maguire Cup triumph in 1949. Jim played football in the Royal and Wee County with two since defunct clubs, Fordstown and Naomh Mhuire. With brother Johnny, he got on the Meath senior squad in the historic year of '49. However, contrary to some reports, neither were presented with All-Ireland medals following the famous breakthrough. The substitutes only received pocket watches and in an interview a number of years later, Jim expressed disappointment at not being awarded a medal. "After all, the subs were just as much part of the team as the first 15," he said. The following year he was full forward in the NFL home final in which Meath lost out to Cavan. However, 'Red' travelled to New York in 1951 when outright league honours were gained with a final victory over the Exiles in the Polo Grounds. Jim Meehan helped Naomh Mhuire to a Louth JFC success but returned to Fordstown for a short spell and missed out on the Drogheda club's SFC triumph in 1953, the only time they lifted the title. On moving back to Naomh Mhuire, he played in three SFC finals but defeat was his lot each time. However, the Meath native enjoyed some great days after first donning the red and white of his adopted county in 1955. He certainly proved his worth in the memorable 1957 campaign. After being dropped for the Leinster semi-final against Kildare, he bounced back to star in the provincial final victory over Dublin. Following the penultimate round win over Tyrone, Jim was seen to outstanding effect in the 1-9 to 1-7 All-Ireland final triumph over Cork, bringing off a crucial goal line save near the end. He was also in the No.4 berth for the Leinster finals in 1958 and '60 when Louth were denied by Dublin and Offaly respectively. Jim Meehan enjoyed another trip to New York with the Louth team in 1958 and he was selected on the Leinster Railway Cup side that year. He played with the Wee County up until 1961. Jim was the fifth member of Louth's last All-Ireland winning team to pass away, following fellow full backs Tom Conlon and Ollie Reilly as well as forwards, team captain Dermot O'Brien and Sean Cunningham, who punched in the winning goal. James “Jim” Watters (Haggardstown) Formerly of The Marlbog Road, Haggardstown, James Watters of 54 Mary Street North passed away on Friday October 9, 2009. He was aged 72. Jim was well-known as a footballer of note with his beloved Geraldines. He won Macardle Cup medals with the local club in 1957, ’58 and ’61 and also partnered Frank Lynch at midfield on the 1966 junior championship winning side. ‘Big Jim’ also won a MFC and lined out in the 1969 SFC final against Newtown Blues. Members of Geraldines GFC formed a Guard of Honour at Jim’s funeral.
Hugh Fanning (Drogheda) The parish of Mell and Drogheda as a whole were saddened by the passing on October 10, 2009 of former Louth dual star Hugh Fanning from St John’s, Upper Mell. Born in 1916, Hugh was a well-known sportsman in his early years, excelling in both gaelic football and hurling. He played football for the local Wolfe Tones club and had the honour of lining out for Louth in both codes. Hughie won a Louth SFC medal with the Tones in 1937, when St Marys were beaten in the final. In 1943, he won a Leinster SFC medal with Louth, scoring a crucial goal in the victory over neighbours Meath. Though the fast, nippy corner forward missed the Leinster final, he played a vital role in the wi