Monaghan Obituaries 2002

Jason McArdle (1982-2002)
The players, officials and supporters of Clones GFC were left shocked and saddened on 26th November this year when one of our players, 20 year old Jason McArdle died following an accident in the USA. Jason was spending a year studying in University of Fayette, Missouri having achieved a scholarship from his college in Belfast.
Jason was a talented footballer and played in all grades for Clones winning an U15 Lee Brothers Cup medal in 1997. More recently Jason played for the club’s Reserve and Senior teams, alongside his first cousin Ross Adamson, as well as being a vital member of the U21 squad which reached the league final this year only to lose out to a strong Doohamlet side. Jason was fiercely committed to his team and wore the Clones colours with great pride.
At Jason’s homecoming and funeral huge numbers of players, officials and people associated with Clones GFC turned out and formed a guest of honour to say farewell to one of their finest. We offer our sincere sympathy to the McArdle family, Fermanagh Street, Jason’s parents Sean and Sheila and his sisters Sonya and Megan. Also the Adamson family, Annalore Street, and the McMahon family, Newtownbutler Road, and all of Jason’s many friends who miss him so much. With the passing of Jason McArdle, Clones GFC have lost not only a player but a great character and most important of all, a true friend.
- Clones G.F.C

The late Gerry Boyle
Over the course of the year, Magheracloone lost one of its legendary members in the form of the affable Gerry Boyle. Gerry, a true Mitchells man, was deeply interested in all facets of club activities and would have been a very proud man in Clones as the Mitchells trouped out on championship final day against Clontibret.
Gerry was a devout follower of football and was forever looking at ways of improving the format of the game. His deep analysis of games and strategies were always incisive and informative. His great love for his own club was unquestioned and sympathy is extended to both his wife and family. His death removes one of the great Mitchells from the club but his presence and spirit will live long in the history of the South Monaghan club.

Patsy Forde, Frank McCormack, Vincent McAreavey - Emyvale
During the year Emyvale lost three of its greatest and most devoted members - Patsy Forde, a former player, who died in the early part of the year; Frank McCormack, one of the founding members of the juvenile section; and Vincent McAreavey, committee and executive member, and one of the club’s greatest ever supporters, who died towards the end of the season. Ar dheis De go raibh an an-amacha uaisle.

Seamus (Watsie) McKenna, Mill Street, Monaghan
The death of Seamus (Watsie) McKenna in January last was received with great regret and sadness by all associated with Monaghan Harps GAA. The late Seamus was an exceptional goalkeeper and member of the Harps' senior teams during the 'fifties. Seamus won intermediate championship and league medals with the Harps in 1954 with the consistency of his displays being one of the hallmarks of the club's success that year. Born and reared in Mill Street, Monaghan, Seamus also had the honour of playing for the Monaghan senior county team.

Benny Campbell, Tullyhatina, Oram
Gaels in Oram were saddened to learn of the death of one of their most loyal supporters, Benny Campbell, in mid-January. The Campbell family, Tullyhatina, have been firm followers of the club over the years and club affairs held a special place in Benny's heart, as did the fortunes of the Orchard County.

John Burns, Devin Reilly Terrace, Monaghan
Aged 82 at the time of his death in February last, John Burns was a native of Clontivern in County Fermanagh but after a period of time serving his time to the drapery trade in Cavan and Longford towns, he moved to Monaghan town in the mid-fifties where he soon immersed himself in the activities of the local Harps club. John was a supremely enthusiastic supporter of Gaelic games. In his younger days, he was actively involved with the Harps, being a member of the selection committee and a key organiser of the club's Gold Watch Tournament for many years. John was a regular attender at matches and attended the 2001 All-Ireland final.

Christian O'Reilly, Carrickroe, Emyvale
The early hours of Tuesday, February 5th last was a sad day for the O'Reilly family of Carrickroe and the gaels of the general Emyvale area when news filtered through of the death of 28-year old Christian O'Reilly. Christian lost his battle for life in the Mater Hospital, Dublin and there were poignant scenes on the following Thursday as his family and friends carried his remains the short distance through his native village to the Church of the Sacred Heart for Requiem Mass. Guards of honour from the staff and pupils of Deravoy N.S. and Truagh Gaels GFC paid their final respects to Christian. Fr. Frank McManus, in his homily, said Christian's sense of community and love of the area was transmitted into his involvement with the GAA and the local festival.

Tom Hanratty, Cloughvalley, Carrickmacross
The gaels of Carrickmacross lost a firm friend and ally with the passing of Tom Hanratty, Cloughvalley House, Patrician Drive, Cloughvalley in early March, aged 75. A native of the market town, the late Tom was a great community man and an able councillor for 40 years but his love and support of Gaelic games was such that he was made an honorary member of Carrick Emmets GAA years before his demise. His regular attendance at Carrick matches bore testimony to his interest in the club.

Elizabeth Ward, Enagh, Magheracloone
The untimely death of Elizabeth Ward, Enagh, Magheracloone on March 14th last at the young age of 46 came as a grave shock to all belonging to Magheracloone GAA and the entire local community. Elizabeth maintained a keen interest in the affairs of Magheracloone Mitchells GFC all her life. She was particularly proud of the fact that her sons James and Pete plus her nieces Edel and Karen Byrne were such prominent and popular players at the club. Guards of honour at the removal of the remains included one each from Magheracloone Juvenile, Mens and Ladies football clubs.

Gerry Linden, Main Street, Ballybay
The death of Gerry Linden on March 28th last brought great sadness to his family, the local GAA fraternity and the general population. A devoted family man, he was very proud of his childrens' involvement in Gaelic football and was always one of the loudest supporters on the sideline.
As a mark of respect to Gerry and in recognition of his lifelong support for the Pearse Brothers Club and his son Cathal's present involvement with the club, his coffin was draped with the maroon and white Ballybay Pearse Brothers flag. Members of the club formed a guard of honour at the funeral.

Seamus McGuirk, Liseveney, Swann's Cross
The death in April last of Seamus McGuirk, Swann's Cross was received by much sadness by his family, friends and Rockcorry gaels en masse for Seamus was a very keen supporter of the green and whites all his life. Despite loosing his eyesight some years ago, Seamus overcame this handicap to remain a keen follower of Gaelic football, keeping up to date with the football scene by listening to the radio up until his death.

Pakie Monaghan, Annagh
It was with great regret that the gaels of Cremartin Shamrocks learned of the death in late April of one of the club's most devoted supporters, Pakie Monaghan, Annagh. Pakie served the club as a playing member along with many other roles, including club chairman and treasurer. He played on the 1938 Dr. Ward Cup winning team and also played on the 1951 Junior Championship winning team. Pakie was noted as someone who always put the club first, and along with his wife Alice, was amongst the Shamrocks' most ardent fans. Pakie spent the last few years as a club President and was always ready to supply the score of a particular match to anyone who enquired in the days before the installation of the modern scoreboard.
Pakie attended 67 conventions of the club. A guard of honour was provided by members of the club at his funeral.

Danny O'Donoghue, Carrickmacross
The Carrick Emmets club lost one of its most fervent supporters last May with the demise of Danny O'Donoghue. Danny represented the club on the playing field with great distinction for many years and later became one of the main instigators behind the acquisition of the Emmet Park grounds. Noted among his friends at the Emmets club for never missing a match involving his beloved club, Danny passed away after a short illness.

Jack Doherty, Castleblayney
Jack Doherty passed away in mid-May, much to the regret of his family, large circle of friends and members of Castleblayney Faughs GAA. Jackie was in his mid-eighties and was reputed to have been one of the originators of the "solo run" in Gaelic football in County Monaghan at a time when a player only retained possession of the ball if he didn't care much for his personal well-being.

Tim Conlon, Highfield, Carrickmacross
The Carrick Emmets club is all the poorer since the death at the age of 81 last May of Tim Conlon, 18 Highfield, Carrickmacross. A native of Loughrea, Carrick, Tim had a tremendous love of Gaelic football and played for many years for his beloved Emmets. He possessed a sweet left foot as a player and after his retirement from the playing field became actively involved in the running of the club. In 1998, the late Tim's contribution to the Emmets was recognised when he received the Hall of Fame Award.

Michael McDonald, Latton
Widespread sadness enveloped the Latton community and further afield at the death in May of Mick McDonald, a former great. Mick gave enormous service to the O'Rahillys as a player during a long career in the club colours. A great sportsman during his playing days, Mick's brillance as a midfielder was recognised throughout the county, partnering county star Seamus McElroy at midfield for Latton over the course of many years. The late Mick was honoured in death as in life by his fellow gaels. His coffin was draped in the club colours and his number 9 jersey. A guard of honour was formed by club members at the removal of his remains.

Aidan (Wimpy) Kerr, Inniskeen
May 31st last was a sad day for the Kerr family and the wider population of Inniskeen when the realisation dawned that Aidan (Wimpy) Kerr had passed to his eternal reward. Aidan, of St. Daig's Terrace, could trace his involvement with the Grattans right back to the 50s and 60s and in 1978 he became the manager of the Inniskeen intermediate team along with Patsy Hoey and Eddie Meegan. In 1979 Aidan was elected onto the club's committee which he served with distinction. Aidan was brother of Con who served on the committee for 12 years from 1960-72 but who sadly died in 1999. At Aidan's funeral, past team-mates and current members of the club flanked his coffin and Inniskeen's league game was postponed.

Danny McKitterick, Corduff
There was great sadness in the Corduff GAA catchment area and beyond when news of the death at the end of May of Danny McKitterick spread. Wee Danny, as he was affectionately known, was a lifelong supporter of Corduff Gaels and also played with the club for a period of time. Up until his illness, Danny had been a regular attender at Corduff's games and could be guaranteed to give an informed and fair opinion on players, management and committee. The late Danny had a special affinity with the younger players of the club and spent several happy evenings helping out with the development of Corduff's juvenile pitch. Danny was a great admirer of the art of high-fielding and often claimed that he once jumped so high for a ball that he brought down a crow! Danny's keen wit and rare tales are sure to be missed by all Gaels.

Tommy Sullivan, Latton
It was with profound sadness that the community of Latton greeted news of the death in June last of Tommy Sullivan. Tommy was a member of one of Latton and Monaghan's most well known football families. With his five brothers, James, John (RIP), Owenie, Paddy and Emmy, the late Tommy gave outstanding service to the O'Rahillys during his young days. Known far and wide as a livewire attacker, Tommy played a vital role in helping Latton win the Dr. Ward Cup in 1959 and '62 plus a Brennan Cup medal in 1966 as well as a number of tournament medals. It was a measure of the respect in which the late Tommy was held that club members formed guards of honour at the removal of his remains. His coffin was also draped in the club flag and his number 15 jersey.

Packie Shannon, Magheracloone
Late June saw the death of one of Magheracloone's most staunch supporters in Packie Shannon. The late Packie played with the club for many years and after his playing career came to an end, continued to follow the fortunes of the club through thick and thin. Predictably, Packie passed on his love of the Mitchells to his sons and the late Joe, Jim, John, Pat and Cormac all played with Magheracloone over the years. The deceased's son Jim acted as vice-chairman of the club in 2002 as well as representing the club as a fine referee.

Dessie McAree, Maghery, Smithboro
The Eire Og club was plunged into mourning last July when news spread throughout Smithboro of the death of club stalwart Dessie McAree. Apart from being a successful juvenile mentor, long-time committee member, vice-chairman and team-manager from yesteryear, Dessie will always be remembered in club circles for his part in Eire Og's 1973 championship success. Dessie was the toast of the club in that Junior championship decider of 29 years ago when he scored the winning goal against Cremartin. It was highly ironic that the late Dessie should move onto meet his Maker in Ulster final week, a time which was really special to him every year.

John Joe Duffy, Magheracloone
The Magheracloone Mitchells lost another old friend back at the tail end of June with the demise of John Joe Duffy. John Joe was one of the club's most outstanding performers during the 'forties. He was noted as a very nifty and skilful footballer and distinguished himself in the club colours for a long number of years.

Frank McCormack, Emyvale
The people of Emyvale were shocked and greatly saddened in late July by the sudden death of the late Frank McCormack, Letgonnelly. His death, outside of his family, was especially felt by those associated with Emyvale GAA, of which Frank was a staunch and long-standing member. Recognised as one of the 'founding fathers' of the club, he was foremost in the establishment of the juvenile section of the club during the early seventies, a decision which was to help generate a succession of talent for the club seniors over the years. In his younger days, Frank played with his native Cornafean in County Cavan. It was no surprise that his four sons, Gabriel, Paddy, Frankie and Shane, all became noted Emyvale stars. It was fitting that the club provided one of the largest guards of honour ever when his funeral took place. A two minutes silence was observed in his honour prior to the throw-in at the Emyvale versus Eire Og Hackett Cup match in Emyvale.

Laurence Sherry, Allygesh, Smithboro
Laurence Sherry, Allygesh, Smithboro will be sadly missed by his family and the wider communities in Smithboro and Scotstown for many years to come. Laurence passed away on July 26th last at the age of 82. A great community man, his love of GAA amply was manifest in the way he followed the fortunes of Scotstown GFC. Laurence had a fondness for sport in general but he had a particularly soft spot for the Gaelic game and everything to do with the blues.

Brendan Ruth, Killanny
All gaels in Killanny and many more people besides were saddened to learn of the death of Brendan Ruth in August last. Brendan was an outstanding player with the club for a number of years and was a member of the side that won the Under 14 McHugh Cup in 1954. Brendan's commitment and dedication to the club both on the playing field and off the pitch was commendable and an inspiration to his peers and those who came after him.

Lily Traynor, Killanny
The untimely passing of Lily Traynor was a matter of great regret not only to her family but to a wide circle of friends and fellow football enthusiasts in Farney country. Lily had a genuine interest in seeing Killanny do well at all grades and her husband Michael and sons Pat and Joe all wore the club colours with pride. Lily was also the grandmother of present players Alan and Shane Birdy.

Gerry Boyle, Deescart, Magheracloone
Better known as Mr. Magheracloone, Gerry Boyle passed away suddenly last August to the eternal regret of his family, friends and colleagues at the Mitchells. The late Gerry was a club stalwart for almost 70 of his 83 years. He lined out with the club as a player in the forties and fifties. At the time of his death, Gerry was a selector of the club's Under 16 team and even though he was in failing health, he seldom missed a game and, indeed, was present at the Mitchells last senior league match before his death in Castleblayney. Gerry was well-known and respected throughout the county. His greatest honour was when he received the club's Hall of Fame award in 1993. Born and reared in Dernascobe, Magheracloone, Gerry attended a large number of All-Ireland finals. At his funeral, members of the Magheracloone Mitchells club carried his coffin, bedecked in the club's flag and jersey.

Emmet Monaghan, Ballintra
The death of Emmet was greeted with great sadness by the entire community in Inniskeen. The late Emmet was a very popular resident of the area and was always held in high esteem by the Inniskeen Grattans club. Emmet was a former player having starred with the club in the fifties. He was buried in Inniskeen and his remains were flanked by a guard of honour of players past and present who accompanied the deceased to his final resting place.

Hughie McKearney, Clontibret
The death occurred in Carrick-on-Shannon on September 2nd last of former Monaghan and Ulster footballer Hughie McKearney. The deceased died at his home after a short illness. One of the all-time greats, Hughie also had the distinction of having played for the Combined Universities against an Ireland selection. The late Hughie was a member of the Monaghan team that played Cork in the "home" All-Ireland final in 1947, two years after he captained the county to the Ulster minor championship title. At club level, Hughie played for both Cremartin and Clontibret, moving to Clontibret in 1948 and playing with the club for 12 years. Hughie won seven senior championship medals all told. He was elevated to the Hall of Fame in 1989.

Jemmy Finnegan, Drumaconvern
A feeling of sincere regret swept across the parish of Donaghmoyne when news of the death last September of Jemmy Finnegan broke. Jemmy was a promising footballer in his younger days with the Fontenoys and he was also a prominent player with the Junior team but his football career was terminated when he received a serious leg injury.

Anthony Cadden, Scotstown
The sudden death of Anthony Cadden brought sadness to a lot of people in the parish of Tydavnet in late September. Anthony will be remembered as an outstanding dual player - a senior championship winner with Scotstown in 1974 and an All-Ireland colleges handball champion with St. Macartans College in 1971.

Joe Beattie, Currin
The death of Joe Beattie last September was greeted with great sadness and shock by the local community and further afield. The late Joe was one of Currin's most loyal supporters and was a former club player. Joe's generous donation of a set of goalposts for the club's new ground a few years ago was much appreciated by all club members. Club members formed a guard of honour at his funeral and his coffin was draped in the club colours.

Nellie McDonald, Onomy, Castleblayney
One of Castleblayney's most well-known families was bereaved in October last with the death of Mrs. Nellie McDonald, Onomy. The late Mrs. McDonald's sons were prominently identified with the GAA in 'Blayney with Barney and Vincent being key members of the Faughs team and Pat also a former Chairman of the club and a long serving club treasurer. The Monaghan GAA Board and Ulster GAA Board were both represented at Mrs. McDonald's funeral. GAA President Sean McCague also attended.

John Connolly, Carrickmacross
The late John died after a short illness and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. John had a great interest in Gaelic games. He played for Magheracloone Mitchells in his youth and throughout his life always maintained great support for both the Mitchells and Carrick Emmets.

Mickey Finnegan, Broomfield
The late Mickey passed to his eternal reward in October last at the age of 82. From the tender age of 16, he served the Donaghmoyne Fontenoys with distinction. He also played for his county and his province. All told, Mickey won one Ulster Provincial Championiship medal, two senior county championship medals, four Owen Ward Senior Leagues and two Hackett Cup medals. In 2001 Mickey was awarded the singular Monaghan County Hall of Fame honour.

Francis Martin, Drumaconvern
The tragic death of Francis stunned the entire community in Donaghmoyne last October. Just 12 years of age, the late Francis showed a lot of promise with the local under 10 and under 12 teams but sadly didn't get the chance to fulfill that promise. At the large attendance at his funeral, a guard of honour was formed by his footballing friends and also by his schoolmates.

John Hamill, Inniskeen
The death of John Hamill, Carrickakelly last October was greeted with much sadness by a whole host of people in Inniskeen and further afield. John was a staunch gael and served on the Inniskeen football committee from 1982 to 1985 and during that time he was a selector with the senior team.

Sean Burns, Drumacoon, Killeevan
There was deep sadness in the Killeevan area in October last at the death of Sean Burns. Sean had a great interest in GAA and was very involved in the Killeevan club, especially at underage level. The late Sean served his time working on the committee of Killeevan GAA and his time and energy will be greatly missed by the club.

Liam Rooney, Drumbreagh
Liam died in hospital in Dublin last October and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. The deceased had a great interest in Gaelic games, particularly Gaelic football and played for Donaghmoyne at all levels in his younger days. The late Liam remained a keen supporter of the club right up to the time of his death.

Tommy Winters, Garryduff
The family and relatives and the gaels of Latton lost a great friend with the death of Tommy Winters, Garryduff last November.
Tommy was a former club player and a legendary supporter of a whole host of club teams over the years.

Vincent McAreavey, Emyvale
The death of Vincent McAreavey, Emyvale while in the prime of his life last November came as a shock to all who knew him.
Vincent was involved in the Emyvale GAA for many years both as an executive member, juvenile team-manager and supporter and his services to the club will be greatly missed.

Pat Flanagan, Lismagunshion
The passing of Pat Flanagan, Lismagunshion last November has left a deep void in the Annyalla area which will be difficult to fill. He was a very popular gentleman in the area and was a noted GAA supporter. Pat received the Hall of Fame award from Cremartin GFC in 1999. He was a great player in the forties and fifties and won a junior championship medal in 1951.
His five sons have all worn the Cremartin jersey with distinction.

Tommy Cadden, Monaghan
The late Tommy had a great pride in his home town of Monaghan and in his country. He was a great culturalist and among his many interests in that respect were the fortunes of Monaghan Harps for whom he played in the thirties.

Jason McArdle, Clones
Everyone associated with Clones St. Tiarnach's GFC was left stunned by the news of the sudden and tragic death of Jason following an accident in the US. Jason, just 20 at the time of his death in late November, was a regular player for the club's Under 21, Junior and Senior teams having come through from underage levels. At his funeral, Jason's team-mates formed a guard of honour.

Death’s included should range from the beginning of 2002 right up to the end of November. We feel this is a very important section of the Yearbook and have tried to involve everybody with a GAA background. Should you feel we omitted a deceased relation or footballer, friend etc. or to guarantee inclusion for appropriate deaths in next year’s edition, then please get in contact with us.