Louth Obituaries 2010
Jamie Clarke (Dundalk) The town of Dundalk was left devastated on Thursday October 29th, 2009 by the sudden death of 20-year-old Jamie Clarke of Ashling Park. A kind and funny young man, Jamie loved sport and was a fine soccer and gaelic footballer. He was a supporter and member of Clan na Gael GFC, following in his father Jim’s footsteps by lining out for the club from a very young age. A Clan na Gael jersey was amongst the offerings at Jamie’s funeral mass. James McGuigan (Dundalk) The late James McGuigan Rathcor, Riverstown, who passed away on November 7th, 2009 at the age of 75, was known to be a big follower of local GAA and football in general. Francie Levins (Collon) Francie Levins of Funshog, Collon passed away peacefully as his home on November 13th, 2009, aged 73. Married to Eileen, he was the father of eleven children and the GAA is a big part of their family life. Francie played for Mattock Rangers at juvenile level and then for Hunterstown Rovers, for whom his six sons played. He served on the Hunterstown committee for years and also acted as a team selector. Members of Hunterstown Rovers GFC provided a Guard of Honour at both the removal and funeral mass. Jack Regan (Dundalk) Jack Regan will be fondly remembered as one of the Wee County’s greatest footballers. He was a star player with both Dundalk Gaels and the Louth county team, hailing originally from Avenue Road before moving to Hackballscross. Jack lived in Carlow at the time of his death and he was buried there, with his coffin bearing the Gaels and Louth flags as well as a wreath from Naomh Malachi. A great old-fashioned high-fielder, he lined out mostly at midfield for club and county. Jack won four Leinster SFC medals with Louth, captaining the Wee County to provincial glory in both 1943 and 1953 as well as starring on the successful sides of 1948 and ’50. He is in fact the only Louth man to have won four Leinster senior medals. Winner of an All-Ireland minor championship medal in 1940, Jack won his three county SFC medals with the Gaels in 1942, ’45 and ’52 as well as playing in the finals of 1940 and ’52. He transferred to Sheelagh Emmets (which mutated into Naomh Malachi) towards the twilight of his playing days and had stints as a county senior selector. Jack Regan was named as midfield partner to Jimmy Thornton on the Louth Team of the Millennium. Mary Tasker (Dundalk) The late Mary Tasker (nee Mulligan) of Annaskeagh, Mountpleasant came from a staunch GAA family and all her brothers played gaelic football. Danny McFadden (Dundalk) There was heartache in Dundalk and beyond following the death of eight-year-old Danny McFadden, Villa Park, Greenacres. Danny lost his life on Wednesday January 6th, 2010, five weeks after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Danny lined out for the Dundalk Gaels U10s and also played soccer with St Dominic’s. Both clubs formed a Guard of Honour at his funeral. Peter Cranny (Haggardstown) Haggardstown native Peter Cranny of Rockmarshall, Jenkinstown, Dundalk passed away on December 23rd, 2009. Peter played for Geraldines GFC and was also a mentor with St Patricks after moving to Jenkinstown. Players from both clubs formed a Guard of Honour at his funeral on St Stephen’s Day. He was brought up within kicking distance of the Geraldines pitch and won a Louth JFC with his boyhood club in 1966. He later became a selector at minor and junior level with the Pats, for whom his three sons played. Patrick Boyle (Dundalk) Patrick Boyle of Railway Terrace, Carrick Road, Dundalk died peacefully at his home on December 27th, 2009. He was a staunch ‘Dowdaller’ who played with distinction for the Dowdallshill club and also supported the club in a variety of capacities down through the years. Originally from County Armagh, Patrick won a Louth JFC medal in 1951 and lined out against the Gaels in the senior final the following year. A strong, committed defender on the field of play, Pat went on to serve on the club committee and he was a trustee of Dowdallshill at the time of his death. Surviving members of the 1951/52 team acted as pallbearers and provided a Guard of Honour at his funeral. Paddy Hoey (Dundalk) The late Paddy Hoey of Mountbagnal, Riverstown, who died on December 26th, 2009, was a founder member of St Patricks GFC and served on the club’s first-ever committee. He remained a loyal supporter of the Pats throughout his life. The Pats provided a Guard of Honour at his funeral. May Yore (Dromiskin) May Yore (nee Cunningham) from Dromiskin - who passed away on January 6th, 2010, aged 89 - was always keen on sport going back to her days playing camogie for Darver and Louth. She had the distinction of playing against Cork in an All-Ireland camogie final at Croke Park. Eithne Hamill (Haggardstown) Eithne Hamill (nee Keenan), who was originally from Lordship, was a keen supporter of Geraldines GFC and regularly helped out with club fundraising activities. Dereck Campbell (Dundalk) Dundalk was left in a state of stunned disbelief by the sudden death on January 2nd, 2010 of Dereck ‘Dozey’ Campbell of Grange Drive, Muirhevnamor, who was just 28 years of age. Football-loving Dereck was a well-known soccer player with Muirhevnamor and Dealgan FC, and he also liked to play gaelic football and hurling, lining out for Pearse Og. Sean McGeough (Blackrock) The late Sean McGeough, who passed away on Saturday December 26th, 2009, played gaelic football locally as a young man before emigrating to Canada. Nicholas Roe (Reaghstown) Nicholas ‘Nickler’ Roe from Thomastown, who passed away on December 8th, 2010, was one of the most-recognisable and instantly-likeable people in Reaghstown. Nickler was a lifelong supporter of the Westerns and he could always be heard cheering the lads on from the sideline. He also did a lot of work on the club’s pitch, making sure it was in perfect order for all the big games. Westerns GFC formed a Guard of Honour at Nickler’s funeral, alongside his many friends from The Danny Boy. Mick Higgins (Cavan) Cavan legend Mick Higgins honed his football skills at St Mary’s, Dundalk, winning a MacRory Cup in 1938 as they played in the Ulster Colleges Championship at the time. The New York native returned to Louth later in his life when he was posted as a Garda in Drogheda from 1947 until 1951. During this time, he played at midfield for the St Magdalene’s club. Barney McCoy (Ardee) The death took place in January 2010 of former Louth player and 1957 All-Ireland winner Barney McCoy, who was 81. The fact that Barney went on to carve out a successful GAA career is all the more remarkable as he was involved in a serious car accident while only 16 years of age. A member of the famed St. Marys, Ardee club, Barney also played with nearby Hunterstown Rovers for a spell. He will go down in Louth GAA folklore as a vital member of Louth’s All Ireland winning panel of 1957. Probably his finest hour was in the Leinster final of that campaign when after 20 minutes’ play he replaced his neighbour Ollie Reilly in defence (Ollie sadly passed away in 2009). The Ardee man played a huge part as a star-studded Dublin attack was held at bay. Barney was involved as Louth also gained provincial glory in 1950 and ‘53. He was a substitute as the Wee County went under to Mayo in the All Ireland decider of 1950. On the club scene, Barney McCoy helped St Marys to Louth senior championship titles in 1951, ‘55, ‘56 and 1960. A noted all-rounder, he was also the holder of seven senior hurling championship medals, won with Naomh Colmcille. Eamonn McCrave (Dundalk) The late Eamonn McCrave, formerly of Marian Park, was an all-round sportsman who played gaelic football, soccer and rugby in his youth. He was more recently associated with the Silverbridge club in Armagh, who provided a Guard of Honour at his funeral. Molly Keenan (Riverstown) Mary Ann (Molly) Keenan of Benagh, Riverstown passed away on Sunday January 24th, 2010. Nee Rice from Aghameen, Molly was a pioneer all her life and was a big St Patricks supporter. She was especially proud of the achievements of her grandson Paddy Keenan in the colours of the Pats and Louth. A Guard of Honour was provided by members of St Patricks GFC. Brian McGuinness (Dundalk) Brian ‘Banner’ McGuinness, late of New Street, passed away on Thursday February 4th, 2010, aged 87. Brian was an accomplished sportsman, who played soccer with St Patricks FC and also gaelic football with Clan na Gael. Catherine McCarthy (Riverstown) Catherine McCarthy of Gaultrimsland, Riverstown, Dundalk passed away on Monday February 1st, 2010. She was a big supporter of Cooley Kickhams and followed the careers of her three sons – Harry, Peter and Martin – when they played for club and county. Catherine also helped the club out as a caterer. Tom Quigley (Dundalk) Formerly of Pearse Park in Dundalk, Tom Quigley lived in Scariff, County Clare at the time of his sudden death on February 9th, 2010. Whilst in the Banner County, he became a leading handball coach with the Tuamgraney Handball Club, who provided a Guard of Honour at his removal. Joe Boyle (Greenore) The late Joe Boyle of Dublin and late of Greenore was 95 when he passed away at Louth County Hospital on February 21st, 2010. He was a brother of the legendary Cooley Kickhams and Louth full back Eddie Boyle. Two of Joe’s brothers – Eddie and Leo – were on the Kickhams side that won the 1939 Louth SFC, when Joe was treasurer. Mick Daly (Courtbane) The late Mick Daly (1932-2010) of Courtbane, Hackballscross – who passed away on February 14th, 2010 – was a founding member of Naomh Malachi GFC in 1966. The GAA was his great passion and Mick also supported Crossmaglen and Armagh. He was instrumental in the development of Naomh Malachi’s facilities at Courtbane in the early ‘80s, providing manpower and machinery to carry out groundworks and pitch levelling. He introduced underage coaching to the club in the mid-eighties and this led to the success enjoyed by Naomh Malachi over the past two decades. He passed on his great love of the club to his sons Micheal, Ruairi and Feidhlim. Naomh Malachi GFC provided a Guard of Honour at Mick’s funeral. Owen Rafferty (Riverstown) Owen Rafferty from Glenmore, Riverstown, Dundalk passed away on March 1st, 2010, aged 87. He was a keen follower of Louth GAA. Micheal English (Dundalk) Dundalk was greatly saddened by the sudden death at his home of Micheal English from Ashling Park, Cox’s Demesne, who died on February 27th, 2010, aged 67. Micheal lined out for Clan na Gael alongside his brother Paddy and remained a great supporter of the local club throughout his life. Paddy Taaffe (Hunterstown) Patrick ‘Paddy’ Taaffe of Roestown, Ardee passed away on March 7th, 2010, aged 82. Apart from his family, Paddy’s big love in life was the GAA and he was associated with the Hunterstown Rovers club all his life. Paddy won a Louth Division Two championship medal and Ranafast Cup in 1954 and received special awards on the club’s 30th and 50th anniversaries. He was appointed honorary treasurer of the club ten years ago and always enjoyed watching his grandsons in action for the red & whites. Jack Kearney (Cooley) Jack Kearney, late of Marnatraga, Templetown and Rath Abbey, Grange, passed away on Sunday March 14th, 2010, aged 83. He had a great love for Cooley Kickhams and Louth GAA. Winifred Rogers (Hackballscross) The locality was plunged into a state of mourning on Saturday March 27th, 2010 when news circulated concerning the death of Winifred ‘Fred’ Rogers (nee McAleese) of Shanmullagh, Hackballscross, Dundalk. Fred was a member of the Naomh Malachi ladies GAA club and was also a keen supporter of the men’s senior team. She was especially proud in 2009 when her son Brian featured on the side that won the Louth intermediate football championship. She also followed the fortunes of Kilkerley/Naomh Malachi underage teams, never missing a match as her sons Ciaran and Brian were involved. Pat Garland (Dundalk) The town was left saddened by the passing on April 9th, 2010 of Patrick ‘Pat’ Garland, late of Cuchullain Terrace, Castletown Road, Dundalk. Pat played football for Dundalk Gaels, winning a junior championship in 1933. He used to cycle from his workplace in Ardee to play in matches in Dundalk. At the time of Pat’s passing, his son Niall was club registrar. His son-in-law Gerry Crimmins played in goal for the Gaels. GAA items were prominent amongst the offerings at Pat’s funeral mass. Paddy Winters (Monasterboice) The late Paddy Winters from Monasterboice will be rightly remembered as a legend of the GAA. The death of the Fieldstown native, who passed away after a short illness, has left a void in the Naomh Mairtin club that can never be filled. Paddy was an outstanding clubman all his life, and his many duties on the club committee included serving as PRO for the past 20 years. He also looked after the club’s jerseys for every senior, junior and U21 match and his four sons Martin, Gerard, Fergus and Colm are also associated with Naomh Mairtin GFC. Harry Byrne (Stabannon) Harry Byrne passed away on Wednesday March 31st, 2010. He played for Stabannon and maintained a keen interest in the club all his life. The club formed a Guard of Honour at Harry’s removal and the Byrne family were very grateful of this. Cecil Quinn (Dundalk) Dundalk man Cecil Quinn B.L., formerly of Castletown Mount, had a distinguished legal career during 50 years in Africa. In his youth, he played football for Dowdallshill GFC. Peter Reynolds (Drogheda) The late Peter Reynolds from Pearse Park passed away on March 27th, 2010. A twin brother of Paddy, he was an outstanding sportsman, be it in boxing, gaelic football or pitch & putt. Peter played football for Lourdes Rangers and then Magdelenes before joining Oliver Plunketts, with whom he won Cardinal O’Donnell Cup, Old Gaels Cup and Louth SFC honours. Jim Atkinson (Kilkerley) Jim Atkinson, late of Thomastown, Kilkerley, passed away on May 12th, 2010, aged 83. Throughout his life, Jim had a deep association with Kilkerley Emmets GFC, serving on the club committee and supporting them through thick and thin. Hugh Hernon (Louth village) Great sorrow followed the sudden, unexpected death on May 18th, 2010 of Hugh Hernon of Carnalough, Louth village. An extremely popular man in the local community, he was associated with St Mochtas GAA club over the years. Nicholas Carpenter (Collon) Nicholas Carpenter, who died on April 30th, 2010, aged 59, was born and raised in Grangegeeth, Collon. He emigrated to Australia at 22 but returned home many times during the intervening years. His great love of sport was reflected by a Guard of Honour formed by the two local parish GAA teams – Mattock Rangers and Rathkenny – at Nicholas’ funeral. Jack Bell (Ardee) Ardonian Jack Bell was a true Louth GAA legend. Jack passed away in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on March 24th, 2010, aged 89. A minute’s silence was observed in his honour ahead of Louth’s 2010 Division Three NFL clash with Antrim at Casement Park. Jack played for Louth for a number of years and won a Leinster SFC medal in 1948, also playing against Cavan in the All-Ireland semi-final. A St Marys stalwart, he became synonymous with the Edmonton Wolfe Tones club in Canada, where he was described as a GAA missionary. Jack was selected at right corner back on the Louth Team of the Millennium and emigrated only months before Louth won the 1957 All-Ireland. Ned McEnteggart (Knockbridge) Ned McEnteggart of Castlering, Knockbridge, passed away on Wednesday June 23rd, 2010. Originally from Philipstown, he grew up with a love of farming and football. Ned first played with De La Salle in Dundalk and went on to represent Kilkerley Emmets, winning many medals. In 1940, he won an All-Ireland minor championship medal with Louth. Eight years later, he collected a Leinster SFC souvenir as the Wee County ruled the province. Jack Fitzgerald (Dundalk) John ‘Jack’ Fitzgerald of Oaklawns, Dundalk passed away on July 2nd, 2010. Though he was best known for his extensive involvement in soccer, which included serving Everton FC as a scout, Jack began his sporting career as a gaelic footballer with Sean O’Mahonys and was the last surviving member of the team that won a JFC in the 1940s. Joe Kieran (Readypenny) A well-known member of the mid-Louth farming community, the late Joe Kieran (1915-2010) played football in his youth and liked to support the local teams alongside his wife Bess. Michael ‘Todd’ McGee (Kilkerley) The late Michael ‘Todd’ McGee of Plaster, Kilkerley, who passed away on Friday August 6th, 2010, played both football and hurling in his youth. Patsy Murray (Ardee) Patrick ‘Patsy’ Murray of Gudderstown, Ardee died on July 25th, 2010. As a young man, Patsy played for Sean McDermotts and starred at right corner back on the side that won the Second Division championship in 1954. His association with the local club extended well beyond his playing days and Patsy served on the committee for many years, including a term as secretary. He also kept a close eye on Stabannon Parnells after his son Donal started playing for them. He was a proud man when Donal captained Stabannon to Joe Ward Cup glory. Larry Sweeney (Dromiskin) The late Larry Sweeney of Dromena Road, Dromiskin passed away on August 16th, 2010. He enjoyed gaelic football and played for Cooley Kickhams in his youth. Aine O’Callaghan (Readypenny) The entire local community was left devastated by the sudden death of 19-year-old Aine O’Callaghan of Killencoole, Readypenny on Friday August 20th, 2010. Aine played ladies football at underage level for Roche Emmets and a minute’s silence was observed in her honour ahead of the local club’s Celebrity Bainisteoir match at Pairc de Roiste. Larry Smith (Drogheda) Originally from Mell, Larry Smith will be remembered as a dedicated husband and father. He was one of the best-known figures in Drogheda and had celebrated his 80th birthday and 50th wedding anniversary shortly before his death. Larry was a big GAA supporter and he was a very proud man in 1957 as his brother Peadar featured on the Louth team that won the All-Ireland, while another brother Raymie also played as Croke Park that day - as drummer with the Drogheda Brass & Reed Band. Frank Fagan (Drogheda) Frank Fagan will be remembered as a true Newtown Blues legend. Frank passed away on March 22nd, 2010. He was active in sport from a very young age and was involved in the GAA for most of his life. He played for schools teams before breaking into the Blues’ ranks. In 1961, he had the honour of captaining Newtown Blues to the Louth senior football championship and Frank went on to collect a grand total of five SFC medals. In 1986, Frank was manager of the Newtown Blues team that won the Joe Ward, Cardinal O’Donnell and ACC Cups. He also played for Louth. At Frank’s funeral, a Guard of Honour was formed by former team mates from Newtown Blues and the Louth team of 1961. At the request of the County Board, a minute’s silence was held prior to Louth’s NFL Division Three clash with Antrim at Casement Park. Michael Hamilton (Dundalk) As an avid sports fan, the late Michael Hamilton of Sportsmans Hall, Kilcurry Road followed the fortunes of Dundalk Young Irelands, Cooley Kickhams and Louth. James Matthews (Louth village) Known affectionately as ‘Long Jem’, the late James Matthews of First House, Tully, Corcreaghy, Louth village passed away on September 4th, 2010, aged 82. He played football in his youth and was a member of the first ever Annaghminnon Rovers team in 1959. Paddy Butler (Louth village) Paddy Butler, late of Ravanny, Louth, was a dedicated family man who loved nothing more than a good GAA debate. Paddy was a long-serving member of the Annaghminnon Rovers club and he always kept abreast of results on the club and intercounty scenes. Guards of Honour were provided by members of Annaghminnon Rovers and Inniskeen Grattans GFCs. Pat Tumelty (Dundalk) The late Pat Tumelty from Meadowview, Avonmore moved from Kilkerley to the town in the late ‘80s. He was an avid supporter of Na Piarsaigh and three of his sons-in-law and extended family played for the club. Chris O’Brien (Kilsaran) Chris O’Brien (nee O’Hare) of Saint Oliver’s Park was a native of Kilkerley and spent a number of years in Birmingham before returning home to live in mid-Louth. She passed away on September 11th, 2010. As a young woman, Chris was a talented camogie player with Kilkerley, helping them to the championship in 1952. John Garvey (Dundalk) John Garvey was only 48 years old when he passed away at his home in Ascot on October 7th, 2010. As a young man living in Dundalk, he had played football with Na Piarsaigh. Gerry Donnelly (Dundalk) The late Gerry Donnelly, St Anne’s, Anne Street was born in County Tyrone and was a brilliant footballer as a young man. He won an All-Ireland Colleges medal with St Patrick’s and an All-Ireland MFC with Tyrone. Thomas John Quinn (Hackballscross) Thomas John Quinn from Corbyfin, Ballybay, County Monaghan and formerly of Carrickastuck, Hackballscross died on Saturday, August 21st, 2010, aged 48. He played with Kilkerley Emmets and won a junior championship in 1986. Thomas John attended his first All-Ireland football final in 1972 and was at every final since. Kilkerley Emmets GFC provided a Guard of Honour. Paddy McGee (Dundalk) Patrick ‘Paddy’ McGee of Balriggan, Kilcurry, Dundalk passed away on September 5th, 2010. A keen sportsman in the 1940s and ‘50s, he was goalkeeper on the Dundalk Gaels team that won the 1952 Louth senior football championship, when Dowdallshill were beaten in the final. He also played for Clan na Gael and won a Macardle Cup medal with them in 1947. Members of Dundalk Gaels and Roche Emmets provided a Guard of Honour. John O’ Hanlon (Omeath) Omeath village, Co.Louth was left in great grief at the untimely death of John O’Hanlon (Lislea Crossroads) who passed away on 21st August in the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle. John, who turned 40 only a month prior to his death, was diagnosed with restrictive cardio myopathy. He went to Newcastle to undergo pioneering heart treatment in the hope to prolong his life and strengthen him for a heart transplant in future years. Unfortunately, this was not to be and although John was seriously ill, his death came as a shock to all those who loved him and indeed the whole community of Omeath. John supported the development of the Cuchulainn Gaels and as vice chairperson for a time, helped raise many funds for the club. He once organised a very successful fancy dress event and also took part in the Newry XFactor in the hope of winning first prize for his club. John took to the stage dressed in full cowboy gear and with great confidence sang one of his favourites Garth Brooks ‘Friends in Low Places’. As the crowd cheered harder, John sang louder for as a natural entertainer, he loved to be the star of the show. John’s hard work and dedication helped lay strong foundations to allow the club prosper in future years. His genuine interest and will to help out was due both to the pride he had of his home Omeath and his hope of helping to develop a strong community club which his sons Lorcan and Fionn would one day be part of. John will be greatly missed in the Omeath area and will be forever missed by his wife Aisling (nee Walsh), sons Lorcan and Fionn and his entire circle of family and friends. Left behind are many remarkable memories of a truly remarkable man. Cuchulainn Gaels Jim ‘Jem’ Rogers (Togher) During the year the club lost a great stalwart with the death of Jim (Jem) Rogers. Jim was a member of the St. Colmcilles junior championship and Ranafast Cup winners from 1950, also winning many more honours with the Colmcilles. He played in the early days of St. Finbarrs, in later years serving the club as a team selector and committee member. Jem also represented his county on a number of occasions. He was a great social man who enjoyed a drink, a chat and a song, a very popular figure. Rest in peace Jem. Naomh Fionnbarra GFC