Monaghan Obituaries 2004

The Late Philip Courtney RIP
It was with a profound sense of shock and disbelief that the news of the untimely death of Philip Courtney of Blackhill on Friday last, June 4th, was greeted by the Gaels of Monaghan, writes John P Graham.
Aged just 48, Philip was Chairman of the Blackhill club, this his second term in that position. Over the years he had served in practically every capacity from player for almost three decades, to team manager, juvenile mentor, club secretary, county committee delegate and latterly chairman.
His passing is a huge blow not only to his family but to the Blackhill club who are at present involved in an ambitious development programme and his untimely death robs them of one of their most ardent workers.
As a player Philip represented Blackhill at all levels in a playing career that spanned over thirty years, and in more recent times he had the distinction of lining out alongside his own son in a reserve game.
Philip was regarded as the heart and soul of Blackhill club. He first played on the Junior team in 1970 and a testament to his loyalty was that he continued playing throughout many lean, barren years during which disappointment was the order of the day. Playing mostly in the full-back line he was a very steady and consistent performer and was able to boast that in all his time as a player he was never booked by a referee, something that showed the character and integrity of the man, qualities that were also evident in his off field life as well. The sole reward in his playing career was when he won a Toome tournament medal in the early eighties but he did taste success later in his career when he won an All Ireland medal with the Monaghan Masters team in 1998.
As a team mentor he was in charge of the team that won the Crawley Cup in 2001, the first senior trophy that the Blackhill club had won in county competition in 49 years.
Away from the playing side of things Philip held many positions in the club. He was secretary from 1982 to 1985 and it was during this time that Blackhill broke new ground when they built and raffled a house as a fundraising venture to enable them to finance the purchase and development of their present playing facilities. He also held the position of club chairman from 1986 to 1988 and during the nineties held a variety of positions. He was elected to his second term as club chairperson at the 2003 AGM. His work as a club official was recognised at county level when he was awarded the Club Official of the year in 1983 and he was similarly honoured by the Blackhill club when he received the Club Person of the year award in 1998.
A mechanic by trade Philip was employed as workshop foreman by McElvaney Motors in Monaghan and previous to that he had worked as a mechanic and then as a salesman with Rices’ Garage, Castleblayney, and always having the reputation of a skilled and totally reliable worker.
A person of quick wit and a very pleasant disposition Philip was also a diplomat and peace maker when the need arose. He was a great ambassador for the Blackhill club and projected very positive image of the GAA as a club official. He will be sadly missed by everyone, both club members and visitors to Blackhill. His universal popularity was evidenced by the huge crowds which paid their last respects to him both at his home, at the removal of remains and his funeral Mass where tributes to his qualities as a family man and community worker were paid. Members of the Blackhill club and the wider GAA community formed a guard of honour.
A devoted family man his loss inestimable to them and to his wife Bernie, son Stephen, daughters Edel and Karen, his brother, sisters and extended family as well as the Blackhill Emerald club we extend our deepest sympathy.
Ar dheis De go raibh anam dilis.

The late Canon Mohan
Members of the G.A.A. club join with all Magheracloone people in mourning the passing of Rev. Canon Mohan. The Canon was a loyal supporter of the club since he arrived in the parish twenty two years ago and had served as an officer of the club over many years. At the time of his death he was President of the club and he continued to take a very active interest in all grades of competition. In all his time in Magheracloone he never missed a club dinner dance or an important championship match. Canon Mohan appreciated and understood the importance and value of the local club to the community and was happy to promote its activities at every opportunity. The club wishes to extend its sympathies to Canon Mohan’s relatives and friends. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.

The late Jim Fox
Magheracloone G.A.A. club lost one of its greatest supporters with the sudden death of Jim Fox. Jim had been part of the club for more than fifty years and had been known the length and breadth of the county and beyond. Jim was a prominent player during his younger days and when he hung up the football boots he turned his hand to the administrative side of the club’s affairs. His work in this area continued right up to his death with his role as joint treasurer and his untiring work as a Lotto promoter.
Jim’s footballing career began with juvenile football in the early fifties. At minor level he was the outstanding Magheracloone player and played for the County team as goalkeeper. In 1956 and again in 1957 he had trials with the County Junior team but was unlucky not to make the final team. In the years that followed Jim moved outfield and made a reputation as a free-scoring forward. He finished as Magheracloone’s top scorer for a number of seasons. Jim also figured prominently in the parish leagues which were played around that time and many former players have fond memories of matches he played in at the Spa Well.
When the late Gerry Boyle stepped down as Chairman in 1980 after sixteen years in the position Jim Fox was elected to servein his place. During his time as Chairman he oversaw many developments within the club. He led by example and never asked anyone to do anything that he wasn’t willing to do himself. Having served for over a decade he stepped aside but continued to work as hard as ever, particularly as a Lotto promoter and as gateman for home games. In this capacity he became very well-known and with his role as County Board delegate, he was the public face of Magheracloone G.A.A. club.
The club are delighted that the Fox family connection will continue as his son Paddy has returned to the parish and is a current member of the Junior panel.
Jim’s memory will live long in the minds of all Magheracloone G.A.A. people and his contribution to the club is invaluable and permanent.
At his funeral, Fr. McPhillips summed up Jim so well by stating that “he had left his mark in this world .” Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dilis.

The Late Gene McMahon,
Formill - An Appreciation
On April 21st 2004 Aughnamullen Sarsfields lost one of its all time greats with the passing of Eugene McMahon Formil Shantonagh who was called home to his eternal reward after a life spanning 70 years and 21 days. Wee Gene as his many friends affectionately knew him had earned a rich send off. The many hundreds who called to his home where he reposed, the overflow congregation in St. Mary’s Carrickatee, the guards of honour and the solemnity of the funeral ceremony were testimony to the high esteem in which he was held by young and old. The shouldering of his remains for the last half mile of his final journey by members of the Aughnamullen Sarsfields club was a fitting tribute to a man who had done more than his share to shoulder many a load for his beloved club both as a player and an official.
Gene’s sincerity and simplicity were legendary. His generosity and humility were cornerstones of his lifestyle. His dedication to his family, his community and his beloved Aughnamullen Sarsfields were never half hearted nor hidden. Every call of duty great or small got the same positive attention to detail.
While in employment as a fitter mechanic he was renowned for his expertise, his cleanliness and honesty. Nobody either manager or workmate ever saw him idle. Mealtime was for meals and working time was for work. That was Gene’s motto that was how he performed. In later years while self employed his behaviour and standards did not change. You got what you paid for and you were certainly never overcharged. He used his God-given talents for the benefit of others. He was never loud and never boasted.
His playing service to the Aughnamullen GFC panel will be difficult to equal and will never be surpassed, 25 great years 1951-1976. He won 19 medals over that period.
In 1972 the club honoured him with a special trophy for 21 years of playing service. During that time a referee never chastised him. That must be a record on its own and speaks volumes for the mentality of the man.
During the last game that he played the referee “booked him” but freely admitted afterwards that he had made the wrong call. He served as club secretary with distinction during the early sixties...later as a selector and as a member of the committee that developed Sarsfield Park and always the dedicated supporter to the very last. He was again the man of the moment in February 2000 when he accepted the Hall of Fame Award.
The story of his life would be quite a book. A few anecdotes come easily to mind.
Like the time he flew home from Manchester on a Sunday having received a telegram at 10am that morning saying “Final on Sunday at 3.30pm in Ballybay”. He made it for the second half and scored the winning point.
Or the times he should have finished work at 6pm but with a smile returned to Dublin for another load when asked.
And who can forget the night of the first Guest Tea in the Carnival Marquee in 1969. Gene called in on his way home from work to check that everything was okay. It wasn’t, the boiler was giving trouble. He fixed it and remained and boiled water for 350 people. He did it quietly out the back but we could not let the tea boy in the boiler suit be seen by the paying public.
The Aughnamullen GAA awards function was fixed for April 23rd. Gene was looking forward to this event because seven silver trophies would decorate the top table. Juveniles won six of these and he had missed none of their games. Providence ordained otherwise. The function was cancelled as he was interred earlier that day.
He treated his brothers, deceased sister Briege, their families and all he cared for with help, love and respect.
To his brothers Padraig and Hugh F, his sister in law Kathleen, his brother in law Michael Quinn and their families we extend our heartfelt sympathy. Gene you spent your life as a vocation and as a good example to us all. You died as you lived....quietly.
May you rest in peace.

Nora Callan, Monaghan
The Callan family of Dunaldron, Monaghan and a large extended family plus everyone connected to Monaghan Harps GAA were rocked on December 1st 2003 by the death of Nora Callan at the young age of 45.
Nora was a great supporter of ladies Gaelic football in particular and dedicated much of her time and energy to the Monaghan Harps Ladies Club until her illness forced her to quit in 2002.
As a mark of respect to Nora, the AGM of the ladies club was temporarily postponed.

John Conlon, Toome
Sadness enveloped the Toome club before the close of 2003 with news of the passing of John Conlon.
John was a great supporter of the club and will be missed by all Toome gaels in the years to come.

Peter McKenna, Truagh
The McKenna family and Truagh Gaels lost a great family man and supporter with the passing of Peter McKenna at the turn of the year.
Peter was great servant of the club right from its inception, being a founder member, chairman and president of the club over the years.

John Sherry, Mullan, Drumhowan
The local Sherry family and the Drumhowan Geraldines club were left to grieve the loss of John who died in early January last.
John had been a faithful servant of the club, having co-managed a double winning under 16 Drumhowan team in 1969.

Eugene McGinnity, Blackwater Vale, Monaghan and late of Ballybay
Eugene's demise at the age of 77 on December 16th last robbed a family and the GAA of a great ally.
A passionate follower of all sport, the late Eugene's main sporting interest was Gaelic football and especially the fortunes of the county team.
Eugene travelled the length and breadth of the country following his native county.

Paddy and Benny Murphy, Liscernan and Drumilliar
Halcyon days from times past were recalled by long-standing members of the Oram club as Paddy and Benny Murphy were laid to rest last January.
Both men were stalwarts of the club in times past and had the honour of featuring on the 1953 Oram championship winning team.

Christopher McElvaney, Smithboro
Sixteen year old Christopher's death was greeted with dismay by his family and every member of the close-knit Eire Og club.
Christopher was captain of the club's under 16 team in 2003 and his untimely demise is already a big loss to the club.
As a mark of respect to Christopher, the club's juvenile disco on March 5th was cancelled.

Roisin McCluskey, Corduff
The sympathy of all belonging to the Corduff Gaels club was extended to the family and relatives of Roisin McCluskey who departed this life last March.
Roisin was a great leader, both on and off the field of play, and her passing is a great loss to both her family and all the local gaels.

Philip Moore, Clones
Members of Clones and Currin GAA clubs were saddened to learn of the death of Philip Moore which took place in early April.
Philip was a great follower of Gaelic games and received the Clones GFC Hall of Fame Award last year.
The late Philip was also the author of the club's official history, published in 1992.
As a mark of respect, members of the club formed a guard of honour at his funeral.
Philip also played for Currin for many years and was the centre-half back on the winning Dr. Ward Cup team of 1951.
He was also one of the founding members of the juvenile board in Monaghan and served on the committee for a number of years.
Philip also compiled a history of the parish and the Currin GAA club to celebrate its centenary.

John McCormill, Ballybay
Ballybay and Drumhowan gaels were united in their sadness at the death of Ballybay resident John McCormill.
John was a member of one of Drumhowan's most successful underage teams in the late 'sixties which won the Under 16 double.

Kieran Morgan, Monaghan
The entire membership of Monaghan Harps were deeply saddened by the death in early April of Kieran.
He was an outstanding juvenile and adult player with the club until he left for the USA.

Denis McGuigan, Clones
The passing of one of the best players ever to don the Clones jersey was greeted with dismay by the members of Clones GAA last April.
Denis McGuigan played for the border club with distinction for years and also represented Monaghan in style, helping his county win the All-Ireland JFC in 1956.
In 1994, Denis received the Clones GAA Hall of Fame Award.
Members of Clones GAA along with officers of Coiste Chondae Mhuineachain and members of the '56 Monaghan team formed a guard of honour at his removal.

Paddy Martin, Hermitage
Paddy's demise last April added to the grief felt by Currin gaels during 2004.
The late Paddy served on the club's committee many times and was also Vice-Chairman for a period.

Tony O'Kane, Carrick
The local Emmets lost one of their most popular members last April with the passing of Tony O'Kane after a long illness borne with great dignity.
Tony was a stalwart supporter of the Carrick club and a man who held many roles with the Emmets, including that of treasurer and vice-chairman.
For Tony no job for the Emmets was too big. He was always there to answer the call.

Paddy Carroll, Annyalla
Clontibret GAA lost a very good past servant when Paddy Carroll passed on to his eternal reward in May last.
A former player with Cremartin also, Paddy won a county minor championship medal with Clontibret in 1963.
Paddy was good enough to play with the county under 21 team.

Sean Hagan, Clones and late of Monaghan
The sudden and unexpected death of Sean, Ture, Clones on May 14th brought great sadness to a lot of people in Clones, Monaghan town and further afield.
Sean, aged 62, was a lover of all sports but especially Gaelic games.
He was a former playing member of Killeevan GFC and remained an ardent supporter of the club up to his death.

Francie O'Brien, Threemilehouse
Gaels affiliated to the Sean McDermotts and Aghabog clubs learned with deep regret the death of Francie O'Brien.
Francie came to prominence when playing as a 20-year old with Aghabog in the 1942 Dr. Ward Cup final against Blackhill.
In the 'fifties, Francie starred with his native Threemileshouse club, captaining them to JFC honours in 1955 and playing a vital role in Threemilehouse's Hackett Cup victory the following year.
In later years, Francie became actively involved in the newly inaugurated Aghabog club, becoming assistant secretary, Coiste Mhuineachain co-ordinator, umpire and Junior C manager.
Sadly he was unable to join with the club in its celebrations of the IFC of 2003 due to illness.

Deirdre Rooney, Scotstown
The end of May brought great sadness to the gaels of Scotstown and many others besides when news of the untimely death of Deirdre Rooney emerged.
Deirdre was an inspirational figure in the promotion of Irish music and culture locally and her demise will prove a great loss to music lovers all over Monaghan.

Hugh West, Sragh, Ballybay
There was widespread sadness and shock in the Ballybay area at the tragic death of Hughie West.
Hughie was a Gaelic football fanatic and a manager of many of Ballybay Pearse Brothers' juvenile teams in the past.
A noted ladies football referee, the late Hughie also trained the local St. Brigids club for many years.
Members of Kildallan GAA, Co. Cavan, St. Brigids and Ballybay Pearse Brothers formed a guard of honour at the removal of his remains.

John Loughran, Oram
Oram GAA lost a friend and staunch supporter with the passing of John Loughran last July.
John was actively involved in underage football at the club for many years.

Sue McGuigan, Carrickanure, Castleblayney
The death of 39-year old Sue in late July last shocked everyone associated with the 'Faughs and Cremartin GAA clubs.
The late Sue was a great GAA supporter and in her own right was an outstanding camogie player with the county team in her prime and her beloved Cremartin.
Cremartin Camogie Club, Cremartin GFC and County Monaghan Camogie Board formed guards of honour at the funeral.
As a mark of respect to the deceased, the Cremartin versus Currin match the following day was postponed.

Brian Brennan, Clontibret
Clontibret GAA lost a great supporter and benefactor with the passing of Brian Brennan in early August.
Brian was always a generous supporter of the club and his company Moore Oil was the main club sponsor in 2004 following on from similar support for many years.
Members and players from the football and hurling clubs provided a guard of honour for the arrival of his remains at St. Mary's church.

Martin Treanor, Emyvale
The sympathy of the Emyvale club members and the wider Emyvale community was extended to the family of Martin Treanor in August.
Martin was tragically killed in a motor bike accident, thus robbing the local gaels of a true friend who was one of the club's finest young underage players.

Sean Maguire, Currin
Members of Currin GAA were united in passing on their vote of sympathy to the family and relatives of Sean Maguire.
Sean passed away in mid-August. He was an ardent follower of Currin teams down the years.

John Duffy, Tattygar, Blackhill
The late John will be sadly missed by not alone his family but by followers of Blackhill GAA whom he served with distinction as a player in times past.

Seamus McDermott, Tyholland
Tyholland gaels were saddened to learn of the death at the beginning of September of Seamus McDermott.
The late Seamus was a former player with the north Monaghan club.

Mick Hughes, Drumhowan
Mid-September heralded much sadness for the gaels of Drumhowan with the passing of Mick Hughes.
Mick, a Corlea resident, was a dedicated supporter of the Geraldines and a man who made many's a journey to support his beloved club for years.

Gerry Hughes, Castleblayney and late of Belfast
Castleblayney Faughs bade a sad farewell to one of its most staunch supporters last September with the death of Gerry Hughes, late of Belfast.
Gerry came from a great 'Blayney footballing family, the Hughes' of Henry Street. His coffin, draped in the green and gold of the club he served so well, was carried shoulder high up Henry Street and Church Street to link up with the GAA guard of honour on the steps of St. Mary's.

Fr. Terence McCaffrey, Carrickaderry, Clontibret
Born and reared in Latnakelly, Annyalla, Fr. Terence died in late September last after serving in the priesthood in England for 57 years. Despite his exile, Fr. Terence retained a keen interest in the fortunes of the Cremartin and Monaghan GAA games. There was a guard of honour by members of Cremartin GFC as his remains were received at St. Michael's Church Annyalla.

Pat McElvaney, Church Square, Monaghan
The late Pat had a keen interest in Gaelic football at local and national level and from an early age was deeply involved with the Corcaghan club.
He also supported Monaghan Harps and special moments for him included Corcaghan Gaels winning the Monaghan SFC in 1928.
In recent years, he got particularly satisfaction when the Monaghan ladies won three All-Ireland titles.
Paddy Turley, Monaghan
The Monaghan Harps club members were at one in conveying their sympathy to the family and relatives of Paddy Turley who passed away in late October.
Paddy played for the Harps in his youth when the 'ban' was in vogue.

Barney Martin, Donaghmoyne
There was widespread grief throughout the parish when it was learned that former great Barney Martin had passed on to his eternal reward.
Barney was one of the best footballers ever to play for Donaghmoyne and was a gentleman on and off the field of play.
Barney was a star midfielder on victorious Donaghmoyne teams from 1940 to 1950 and represented his county from minor, junior through to senior levels, winning an Ulster minor football championship medal in 1940.
The late Barney contributed greatly to Fontenoy's senior club sides as they won Hackett Cup and Owen Ward Cups.

Seamus Garvey, Dublin and late of Beaghmagheross, Corduff
Sadness was the operative word in the parish of Corduff in November last when news spread locally of the death of Seamus Garvey.
Seamus was instrumental in the re-formation of the Corduff Gaels club at a time when many players were playing for neighbouring clubs.
The late Seamus was also a player of some note and helped drive the one-time struggling Gaels to greater heights.

Kevin Harkin, New York and late of Ballytrain
The tragic death following a road traffic accident of Kevin in New York last November shocked and saddened everyone who knew him.
Kevin played juvenile football with the Corduff Gaels club in times past and had many friends belonging to the Latton club.

Phil Kelly, Killark, Magheracloone
The passing, at a relatively young age, of Phil Kelly in early November robbed the Magheracloone club of a loyal supporter.
Phil and his brothers wore the Magheracloone jersey for many years and were invaluable in steering the club to rich pastures.

Peter Duffy, Latton
Huge shock and sadness swept across Latton last November when news arrived of the sudden death of Peter Duffy, Corlea.
Peter was a member of the 1954 and '55 Junior football championship and Hackett Cup winning sides and the Dr. Ward Cup winning side of 1959.
The late Peter gave outstanding service to the O'Rahillys as a player and thereafter as a member of the executive committee, team mentor at adult and juvenile levels.
Later he played a key role in the development of O'Rahilly Park and Complex in the late seventies and eighties.

Seamus Draocha, Latton
A native of county Mayo, Seamus was a great community man and a great gael.
He was author of the Latton O'Rahillys club and parish history to mark the opening of the O'Rahillys Complex in 1985, with two revised editions since the first launch being released.

Gerry Loughran, Monaghan
Members of the Fheargal Ui hAnnluain club were greatly saddened by the sudden death of Gerry Loughran in mid-November. He was a great supporter of the club right from its foundation.

Mona O'Donoghue, Aghabog
The Aghabog club lost a great ally with the death, after a long illness, of Mona O'Donoghue last November. Mona was particularly influential in promoting music, song and drama within the club and her help with the club's Scor activities was invaluable.

Seamus Maguire, Stranooden
The gaels of Monaghan Harps were saddened to learn of the death of Seamus Maguire in late November. Seamus was a member of the Monaghan Harps team that won the Hackett Cup and Intermediate Championship in 1954.
On those occasions he played in the half-back line and was a resolute defender and a speedy, stylish player.

Benny McCaffrey, Hertfordshire and Monaghan
The Hertfordshire County Board mourned the death of one of its founding members, Benny McCaffrey who hailed from Monaghan. Benny is survived by his wife Annie and five sons Ben, Hugh, Cathal, Sean and Vincent.
After arriving in Luton in the mid-50’s, where he worked as a foreman for a construction company Wimpey, Benny was one of five men threatened with arrest unless they ceased playing Gaelic football in the nearby Blundell Road Park.
This led to his decision to set up a Gaelic football team of his own and after successfully approaching the council for a pitch, St. Dympnas was born.
As the team became more established with over 130 members, Benny encouraged his brother Mick to set up another team so that the demand to play could be satisfied. This led to the formation of St. Vincents, who like St. Dympnas, are still going strong to this day. In addition to being an influential figure in the Hertfordshire GAA, Benny was also the chairman of St. Josephs parish centre in Luton, for 28 years and will greatly be missed by the Irish community in the area.

Noel McCreesh, Cremartin
Noel originally hailed from over the border in Cullyhanna. A staunch Armagh supporter, he took particular delight when the Orchard County won their first senior All-Ireland title in 2002. Just days before his death Noel had the pleasure of seeing his youngest daughter Dearbhla win the Readoiri All-Ireland final in singing. He was hugely popular in his adopted Cremartin and the local club performed a Guard of Honour outside St. Michaels Church, Annyalla.