Monaghan Obituaries 2008
Mickey McGuinness
(Castleblayney)
Mickey, who lived to the grand old age of 89, was one of the greats of Blayney
GAA. Originally he played with the Monaghan Harps club but on moving to Castleblayney,
first played for the Blackhill club. He later served as an administrator for
them. Later he joined the Faughs and thus began a lifelong association. With
his beloved Faughs he served in many an administrative role with great enthusiasm.
His greatest joy was to see his club develop and succeed. Mickey acted as an
officer of the Monaghan County Board for thirteen years from 1969 until 1982,
during which time he served as County Registrar. A man of great wit, Mickey
McGuinness was one of the true characters of the association at club and county
level and his contributions lit up many a drab county committee or county convention,
while his anecdotes about clubs, players and games entertained many a gathering.
The management committee of Monaghan County Board was represented in the guard
of honour as his remains were laid to rest.
Michael ‘Mick’ Connors
(Ballybay/Enniscorthy)
The people of Ballybay and surrounding areas were shocked and saddened by the
tragic and untimely death of Mick Connors in a road accident on 30th July 2008.
When you think of Mick, you would automatically think of football, hurling and
horses. Mick was a great GAA supporter. He enjoyed nothing better than to watch
his sons George, Paddy, Gerry and Andy play football for Ballybay Pearse Bros.
He often travelled from Wexford with the boys on the day of a match to make
sure they wouldn’t let the team down. The boys also play hurling for Latton,
where once again, Mick was always there to encourage them. In fact, he rarely
missed a training session, never mind a game. He was so proud of his boys. He
was especially proud of his son Gerry who played with the Monaghan county minor
team this year. He was also well known in the horse trade, travelling the length
and breadth of Ireland to horse fairs. Places like Ballinasloe, Tuam, Banagher
and Ballycastle were among his favourite places, always looking for a good deal.
But there was a greater passion in Mick’s life, his family. His wife Kathleen,
sons George, Paddy, Gerry, Andy and wee Mick and indeed his extended family
were the most important thing in the world to him. Mick made many friends in
his lifetime, all of whom will miss him dearly. The attendance at his funeral
both in Ballybay and Enniscorthy was testimony to the high esteem in which Mick
was held - may he rest in peace.
Packie Finlay (Ballinode)
Eighty-five-year-old Packie died in early October 2008 inside the grounds of
St. Marys Church, Urbleshanny, Scotstown on his way to mass. He was one of the
most popular figures in this part of north west Monaghan and the path to Packie’s
house was a regular one for his host of friends and neighbours. A proud member
of the 1945 Scotstown team, Packie Finlay loved football, was passionate about
his beloved Scotstown and remained enthusiastic about the game throughout his
life.
Matt Meegan (Inniskeen)
Aged 84 years, Matt and his wife Kathleen celebrated 60 years of marriage in
January 2008. A great GAA follower, he travelled to Croke Park on many occasions
and was very proud that four of his grandsons played on the hallowed turf. A
guard of honour was formed by members of Inniskeen Grattans GAA and South Monaghan
Fine Gael at the removal of his remains to St. Marys Cemetary, Inniskeen. Matt
was the father and grandfather of current members of Grattans Executive Committee
and Development Sub Committee.
Terence McEntee (Threemilehouse)
All who knew him were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Terence McEntee,
Drumaclan. Terry was a gentleman, his caring career as a member of St. Davnets
Hospital staff mirroring the genuine interest he had in the welfare of family,
friends, neighbours and our wider local community. Blessed with green fingers
although he didn’t rely totally on that talent, hard work for him was an
equally important ingredient, and he certainly gave nature every assistance
in that regard. Much of the bountiful produce from his garden ended up on someone
else’s table, given away discreetly, left on a doorstep without a word,
that was Terry. The recipients knew, and were grateful for his generosity and
dexterity with spade and hoe. No mean sportsman either, a proud member of the
‘55 and ‘56 Threemilehouse team. It is his feat of saving a penalty
and scoring a goal in the same match that has his name etched in local football
folklore. I had always thought these were two separate events, not so as verified
by one of his teammates. Played in the Clontibret field behind the chapel, picture
the scene ... Terry at full forward recalled to do net minder when a penalty
is awarded against his team. He dives, he saves, the backs have it, racing from
the goal (obvious no changing of goalkeeper jersey) action continues with the
ball out on the wing as Terry makes a b-line down the middle to the No 14 berth.
He arrives, the ball too, he grabs, lashes the leather ... a goal!!!!...
To Terry’s family, his wife Rose, their children Ann Marie, Aidan and Majella
our condolences.
Sean McDermotts GAA
Catherine ‘Kay’ Murry
(Aghabog/Dublin)
A beautiful singer and especially where gaelic songs were concerned, Kay won
many medals in this art. Her work often took Kay away from her native heath,
but she always kept in touch with home and remained a proud Monaghan woman,
never missing a big game in Croke Park, and especially when the men from the
little hills were on the agenda.
Gerry Farrell
(Castleblayney)
Gerry, who was a renowned physiotherapist, had a lifelong association with the
GAA in Monaghan and especially with Castleblayney Faughs. There was a huge turnout
of local gaels at his requiem mass and funeral at St. Marys Church, Castleblayney.
In a special graveside tribute in which he extended sincere condolences to the
deceased’s wife Rosaleen, his son, and three daughters, local Faughs’
GFC veteran and sport writer Mr. Liam McGrath (Liam Mac) said it was his sad
task to say a few words about the life and times of his lifelong friend, Gerry
Farrell, whose sudden death had come as a bombshell to his many, many friends
and admirers.
Mr. McGrath continued; “Blayney, the town he loved so well, is the poorer
for his passing.”
He said Gerry would never claim to be a huge football star but he rubbed shoulders
with the best of them and ‘rub’ was the operative word for Gerry,
as the famed physiotherapist and gentle giant was a possessor of so many fine
qualities and had a unique God-given gift in his healing hands ... the same
hands that for forty years and more were to rub away the aches and pains of
hundreds of football stars and wantabee stars from all over south Ulster.
“They beat a path to the door of the masseur maestro. But, and this was
the mark of the man, no matter who they were, or how important they thought
they were, the players from his beloved Blayney Faughs club and Monaghan county
team players, had first call on his talented services.
“That is why the Faughs and many other Monaghan clubs are so strongly represented
here.
“In the Faughs camp Gerry was always somebody special, even though he always
chose to remain quietly in the background. He was an ever-present in the Faughs
backroom in the glory days of the club in the sixties, the seventies, the eighties
and the nineties. The players called Gerry ‘The Rock’. He liked that
and indeed he was that ... a rock of sense, security and comfort for those suffering
pain and discomfort.”
“This was even more evident in his declining years in his beloved Thomas
Street where he was the first person looked for in the case of illness or domestic
accidents.”
“Today, the quiet backwater that is Thomas Street is even more quiet than
usual. A great light has been extinguished: Thomas Street and The Commons will
never be quite the same again.
“Gerry was a great Blayney man immersed in its history and great sporting
traditions. He loved the quaint old Blayney expression “an old residenter”.
To him it was a badge of honour.
“Gerry will be long remembered as an “old residenter” and for
many other sterling qualities, including the best epitaph of all ... ‘a
gentleman, a decent man, a modest hero of his own time’.
Slan agus beannacht
Maureen O’Sullivan
(Monaghan)
A very popular lady, Maureen was involved in various groups and organisations.
In her younger days she won numerous camogie medals with Monaghan Harps, with
whom she played for many years after leaving school.
Hugh Murphy (Smithboro)
Although Hugh lived in Killeevan parish, he was very much an Aghabog man at
heart. He was one of the driving forces who revived the Aghabog club in the
mid-1950s and there was no happier man when the new jerseys arrived in October
1955. His cheer was always the loudest when Aghabog scored, cleared their lines
or forged out a victory. Hugh’s brother Macartan was a very useful member
of this Aghabog combination.
John Costello
(Cavan/Monaghan Town)
John hailed from just across the Cavan border in Castletara. He took over the
Four Seasons Hotel in the late 1970s and enjoyed a very successful decade running
the business, becoming a well-known figure in the commercial world of north
Monaghan. John was a huge GAA supporter and attended games wherever possible.
Frank Martin (Magheracloone)
Frank was one of Magheracloone’s greatest supporters over many years and
he never missed a match, home or away. He could be found at every ground in
the county when the club were playing and he took great pleasure in every victory.
Frank’s dedication in supporting the club should serve as an example to
all of us ... he could never be described as a ‘fair-weather’ fan.
Magheracloone GFC.
Peter McNellis
(Donegal/Monaghan)
Peter arrived from Ardara in Donegal in the 1960s to study, fell in love with
the place and remained in Monaghan. A very popular figure, he continued to be
extremely loyal to his native Donegal following the men from Tir Conaill all
over the country. There was no prouder man on these shores when his neighbour
Anthony Molloy went up the steps of the Hogan Stand to collect the Sam Maguire
Cup in 1992. In Monaghan, Peter became a lifetime member of Monaghan Harps and
included in his roster over the decades were promoting the club lotto, stewarding
and parking at games and, of course giving active and enthusiastic support to
the Harps’ teams at all levels. As the Monaghan Harps club notes stated:
“The various tasks he performed for the club were always done willingly
and executed with characteristic enthusiasm and good humour.”
Further testament to the value his footballing countymen placed in Peter’s
support was the minute’s silence observed in his memory prior to the Donegal
against Tyrone NFL encounter. A huge guard of honour guided Peter to his final
resting place in Latlurcan Cemetery and included were the Monaghan/Donegal Association
and Monaghan Harps.
Mary ‘Molly’ Farrelly
(Louth/Ballybay)
Molly moved from her native Reaghstown in Louth to Ballybay during the 1960s.
She was an enthusiastic GAA supporter and became a big follower of Ballybay
Pearse Brothers, attending many of their games when she was younger.
Bernie Tumelty
(Carrickmacross/Magheracloone)
Magheracloone and Carrickmacross as well as surrounding areas are still coming
to terms with the sad passing of local woman Bernie Tumelty. Her family have
paid tribute to Bernie, whose sudden and untimely death shocked all who knew
her.
At just 44 years of age, the young woman’s popularity was evident with
the hundreds of people who turned out to bid her farewell at her funeral mass.
Bernie, who has been described as a beautiful and kind woman, seemed to touch
everyone that she came in contact with. She will be remembered for her friendly
smile, her charm, her wit and her style.
Bernie was educated locally and attended St. Louis primary and secondary school.
She studied for a short period at the Regional College Dundalk and then took
up her first working position in Jim Gartlans. Almost 25 years ago, Bernie began
working for Carroll’s chemist and she remained there working with O’Brien’s,
Tobins and new proprietor Shane Connolly (O’Neill Street Pharmacy).
Colleague and friend Shane Connolly spoke highly of the young woman describing
her as an absolute pleasure to work with.
“Bernie was a beautiful lady and a wonderful friend, someone who had a
positive influence on anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her.”
In 1988 Bernie married Noel Tumelty and she moved from her home town of Carrick
to build a new home in Magheracloone. Sadly Bernie was pre-deceased by her husband
Noel by just two years. Bernie had a love for many things, particularly her
family, sons Shane and Fergal and her husband the late Noel. She was a woman
highly regarded in the community and a woman of huge popularity. Bernie had
a love for fashion and she travelled regularly to Dublin with her mother Nancy
to help with the selection of clothes for the local shop. She was a regular
supporter of the local Mitchels GAA club with her son Fergal playing. Bernie
also supported the county team, attending matches on a regular basis. She was
an active member of Corduff Bowls Club, playing alongside her mother Nancy and
sister Maureen, regularly travelling to Bundoran on an annual basis to compete
in competitions.
Requiem mass was offered by family relative Fr. Owen Joe Tumelty who spoke so
warmly about the young woman, truly celebrating her life and the many positive
influences that Bernie had on so many people’s lives. Everyone had something
nice to say about Bernie as people shared many stories and happy memories.
The huge attendance at St. Peter and Paul’s Church, testified to the high
esteem in which Bernie was held in the area. Bernie is survived by her sons
Shane and Fergal, her mother Nancy, her sisters Maureen (Carrick) and Ann (Dublin),
her brother Gerry (Dublin) and her twin brother Seamus (Carrick), her mother-in-law
Jennie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and her
many friends.
Ar dheis de go raibh a anam.
Michael ‘Mickey’ McKenna
(Scotshouse)
Mickey worked as a plasterer with his brothers Pat and Peter. He played in goals
on the Currin juvenile team of 1951 and remained in the number one spot for
another 20 years. Mickey was a huge GAA supporter and a regular at games.
Owen McMahon (Tydavnet)
Owen worked with An Post in Dublin for 33 years before retiring and returning
to his native Tydavnet. In the city he maintained his interest in GAA affairs
and acted as a steward in Croke Park for many years. Owen, who loved to converse
in Irish, always followed the fortunes of Scotstown and Monaghan teams.
Philip ‘Phil’ Flood (Shantonagh)
Phil was a very popular member of the Latton club where he served on various
committees. A loyal supporter, he was one of the driving forces behind the club
lotto.
Angela Rooney (Inniskeen)
It was with sadness that we in Inniskeen learned of the death of one of our
most gallant supporters, Angela Rooney. Angela always made her presence known
at Grattan Park with her great booming voice or bowing to a referee’s request
for an umpire only for the ref to regret his decision later in the game. Angela
and her late husband Jim suffered heartbreak in the late seventies when they
lost their young talented son Seamus in a drowning accident. The juveniles now
compete for a cup presented by Angela and Jim in Seamus’ memory. Angela
has two daughters, Angela Jnr. and Ursula. Both girls were very athletic and
represented Monaghan at the Community Games on many occasions. But it was on
the camogie pitch that they really shone. Angela was not shy about helping out
around Grattan Park and when a visiting team was at the park she could be found
in the kitchen doing the after-match food. Our deepest sympathy to her family.
May she rest in peace.
Inniskeen Grattans
Seamus Hughes (Braddox)
Seamus was known as an outstanding huntsman. He had also a great love for gaelic
football, especially when the Monaghan county team was involved. In his younger
days, Seamus lined out with Drumhowan.
Benny Lennon (Ballintra)
Benny became the fifth member of the 1960 Drumhowan team to pass away. He was
also a member of Drumhowan’s very first minor team and a valued member
of Ballintra Players for a number of years. He had been ill for just six months.
Everyone who went to visit him had stories about how sharp his mind was right
to the end and how fully aware he was of everything around. He was always sharp;
even when he was in national school he skipped from third class to fifth, which
only very bright pupils were allowed to do at the time. In another era he would
have been able to choose his career path, but economic realities in the 50’s
dictated how people lived, so he went to England to work on the buildings, where
he was disenchanted to find that the greatest bully usually became foreman.
Benny had no time for such antics and was happy to come home and look after
the farm when his father died. He was always straight and honest, gentle but
with a core of steel that came out of him in his football and even more so when
he took up poker. Monsignor McSorley at the funeral accurately laid out the
requirement of a good poker player and Benny had all those qualities, especially
the ability to read his opponents. But more than anything else, poker was a
pastime; “we usually played with the same gang, so nobody made or lost
much over the year,” he said. Those card playing friends were very much
in evidence at his funeral, as were his old football comrades who carried him
to his last resting place in Ballintra. Sincere sympathy to Peter, Dan, Mary,
Stevie, John, Brendan, Ann, Kathleen and Teresa.
May he rest in the peace he deserves.
Drumhowan GFC
Pat Lynch (Courtbane)
All our members and indeed the entire community in Inniskeen and Shelagh were
shocked and saddened when we heard of the death of one of our former greats
Pat Lynch, Courtbane, Shelagh and formerly of Dunard, Inniskeen. Pat had a great
love for all things Irish and particularly our native games as can be evidenced
by his own distinguished football career wearing the famous Green and Red at
minor, junior and senior levels. In fact, he along with his wife Eileen passed
on this love to their family with their son Joseph also wearning the Green and
Red with distinction and their daughter Sinead, who was meant to line out with
the Inniskeen camogie team in the Monaghan Senior Camogie League final just
after Pat’s death.
Unfortunately their other daughter Mary could not actively participate in sport,
but she would be seen cheering on the Grattans at a lot of games. Pat was an
inspiration to us all, not only as a supreme goal poacher and fearless footballer
but also in the way he bore his long illness and his daughter Deirdre’s
very untimely death with great dignity and humility. To his sorrowing wife Eileen,
his son Joseph, daughters Sinead and grandson Ciaran, his daughter Mary and
son-in-law Ben, Inis Caoin Cumann Luthchleas Gael (Inniskeen Grattans) on behalf
of its entire membership would like to offer our sincere sympathy and condolences.
A tribute from Inniskeen
Camogie Club
It was with great sorrow that the parish of Inniskeen and surrounding parishes
learned of the death of Pat Lynch at the tender age of 56. Pat, a native of
Inniskeen, spent most of his married life at Dunard and in recent years in the
new family home at Shelagh, Rassan.
Over the years Pat had acquitted himself to great acclaim with Inniskeen Grattans
playing on the minor, junior and senior teams during the late 60s and early
70s. This gra for gaelic games was passed on to his son Joseph and daughter
Sinead, one of Inniskeen’s finest camogie players, and more recently to
his grandson Ciaran who plays with the underage hurlers. To his grieving family,
wife Eileen, son Joseph, daughters Mary and Sinead and grandson Ciaran, we offer
our deepest sympathy. His daughter Deirdre predeceased him in 1981 at a young
age.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis
Patsy McCluskey (Emyvale)
It was with deep shock and profound sadness that the people of Emyvale and surrounding
areas learned the sad news of the death of the late Patsy (PJ) McCluskey, Main
Street, Emyvale, which occurred during the early hours of Saturday 1st November
last - All Saints Day. Patsy had been in failing health for some time previously,
but made a truly remarkable recovery, only to experience a sudden relapse and
finally pass away peacefully after a short spell in the loving care of the nursing
staff of Monaghan General Hospital. Patsy was probably one of the most popular
and loving personalities of Emyvale village, as well as being one of its most
senior citizens, a 'title' he humourously shared with his lifelong friend, Pat
Farmer. Since his retirement some twenty years ago, he was a regular feature
in the precincts of the village, always to be seen doing his daily routine of
going to the local Post Office, visiting the Credit Union Office and doing his
daily walk, which he never missed — his favourite 'walk' being to 'McGee's
Corner' just south of the village, when he was invariably joined by Monica McKernan's
little dog 'Spike' and they became great companions. Patsy received his early
education in Edenmore NS and at St. Macartan's Seminary, as it was then called,
before going to work in the 'Supply Stores' of his uncle, Charles McCluskey,
just across the street from his home. He spent many years there and became well
known and popular with the large customer clientele from the Emyvale hinterland,
who did their shopping there in the days before 'Shopping Centres' and greater
transport facilities. Indeed, many mourners at his funeral recalled the days
when they were served by Patsy in 'McCluskey's shop' in Emyvale, right through
from the pre-war days of the 'thirties, then the lean years of WW2, and right
into the 'fifties. Around 1953 he joined the Hoover Organisation and was a salesman
for that firm for the next two years, following which he joined the Beecham
Company, and was their North-West representative for a short period before being
promoted to Area Manager for the entire northern half of the Republic. He held
this appointment until his retirement in 1986, after having served the Company
for some thirty years. Primarily a family man, devoting his life and affection
to his first wife Maisie (who pre-deceased him in 1966), son and two elder daughters,
and later to his second wife Nancy, and four younger daughters, he was also
a very religious person, having great devotion to Our Lady, never once missing
his daily rosary. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbanus. His great
'charity' in life was the poor of his own locality and he was a founder member
of the Donagh Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the late 'sixties,
and he remained a dedicated member of the Society right up until his final illness.
Emyvale District Credit Union was also one of his great interests, and he was
an active member from the very first day of the introduction of that great organisation
to Emyvale by the late Fr. PE Larkin CC, also in the late 'sixties. The Credit
Union Office, in fact, was one of his daily 'ports of call', and he had acted
on various sections of the Credit Union Movement, including Credit Committee
and Supervisory Committee. He was appointed a Peace Commissioner in 1989 and
remained one until his death. In earlier years he was also a very active member
of Donagh Sports Committee, Donagh Parish Committee, Glaslough Fete Committee
and Donagh Dramatic Troupe (in which he played many leading roles during their
great period of success in the early fifties. In later years he would play a
prominent role on the Emyvale Leisure Centre Committee and with Donagh Community
Games. Keenly interested in Gaelic Games, he was appointed first treasurer of
the Emyvale GFC when that club was re-formed by the late Fr. Ned Flanagan CC
in 1944, and his son Jim keeps on the tradition, being one of the most active
members of the current Emyvale GAA club's Finance Committee. If he had been
given the choice of a day on which to die it would surely have been November
1st, and that is exactly how it turned out. The huge throngs of people who visited
his home during his wake gave a clear indication of the high esteem in which
he was held by all sections of the community — a community which he had
served so unselfishly for well over half a century. His remains were removed
to St. Mary's Church, Glennan, where they were received by Very Rev. Hubert
Martin PP. who also celebrated the Requiem Mass. They had also been met on arrival
at St. Mary's Glennan by a Guard of Honour, representative of Emyvale District
Credit Union, Donagh Conference St. Vincent de Paul Society; Emyvale Leisure
Centre, North Monaghan Social Services, Emybelles, Emyvale GAA club and PTAA.
In his homily at the Mass, Fr. Martin covered the principal milestones of Patsy's
life and paid glowing tributes to his work for the parish, for the poor, and
for his service to the local community. The choir, led by Sheila Murphy, rendered
all of Patsy's favourite hymns, while Tony Cannon gave a soul-rendering saxophone
solo that brought a tear to every eye in the overflowing congregation. Following
the Mass, the remains were conveyed to St. Patrick's cemetery at Corracrin,
where they were interred in the family burial ground, with Fr. Martin also officiating
at the graveside. Patsy is survived by his wife Nancy, son Jim (Emyvale), daughters
Patricia (Australia), Edna (New Zealand), Anne (Louth), Brenda (Kent), Siobhan
(Monaghan) and Mary (Dublin); his nine grandchildren, brother Seamus, sons-in-law,
nephews, nieces, and a large circle of relatives and friends, to whom the sincere
sympathy of the entire community is extended in their sad loss. A mere four
days earlier that same week, Patsy had been predeceased by his last surviving
Co. Down first cousin, the late Annie Morgan (Castlewellan), for whom he had
such deep affection.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.
Courtesy of the Northern Standard
Tommy Hughes (Annyalla)
Tommy was a well-known business person throughout his life and while running
the family store made house to house deliveries. He was a huge follower of GAA
affairs and could hold his own on any debate on our national games.
Michael McQuade (Castleshane)
Michael was one of the great Clontibret players of the 1950s. He was goalkeeper
when Clontibret beat Donaghmoyne 0-7 to 0-4 in a hard-hitting senior county
final of 1958 at Ballybay. This could have been a four in-a-row for Clontibret
as, after victories in 1955 and ‘56, Ballybay beat the Armagh border outfit
after two pulsating showdowns in ‘57. Members of Clontibret O’Neills
formed a guard of honour at Michael’s funeral.
Finbar Ward (Ballybay/Naas)
Finbar was a member of a well-known and highly respected Ballybay business family.
He was one of three Ward brothers who all played with distinction for the Pearse
Brothers senior team. Finbar was noted for being a good team player who enjoyed
the game and the lasting friendships he made during that time. He was part of
the outstanding Ballybay team which claimed Monaghan senior championship medals
in 1957 the Fr. Hackett Cup that same year and further senior championships
in 1959 and 1962. Ballybay also brought home the Owen Ward Cup in ‘63.
In the mid 1960’s, after marrying Geraldine, Finbar moved to Naas where
he built up the highly successful Forge Inn Public House.
Thomas ‘Tom’ Cassidy
(Carrickmacross)
Tom was a very popular figure in south Monaghan. He was a keen gaelic games
supporter and possessed a great knowledge of the history of gaelic games. While
keeping a close eye on the fortunes of neighbours Cavan, Tom was always a staunch
Monaghan supporter.
Noel Kellett (Drogheda/Killanny)
After his funeral mass in Drogheda where he worked and resided. Noel was brought
home to rest in his beloved Killanny. He was an accomplished and popular player
with the local Geraldines in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Noel was on the
Killanny team which won the junior championship in 1970. While working in Platin
Cement he was known to all and sundry as ‘Killanny’. Noel always maintained
a deep love for his old club and county. A guard of honour was provided by Killanny
GAA from Pairc Eanna as a huge crowd paid their final respects.
Francis ‘Francie’ McCabe
(Clontibret)
Francie was a friendly, caring family man. He was very enthusiastic when it
came to GAA affairs and was a former member of the Cremartin club. The Shamrocks
formed a guard of honour at Francie’s funeral.
James ‘Jimmy’ Soraghan
(Carrickroe/Monaghan)
Jimmy came to Monaghan to work in St. Davnet’s Hospital when he was 17
years of age and qualified as a psychiatric nurse. He was a stalwart GAA member
and a great supporter of Monaghan Harps, his native Truagh, the Down footballers
- who caught the imagination of the country in the early 1960’s - and the
Monaghan county team.
Lorcan Duffy (Doohamlet)
A loving son, dear brother, loyal friend and a fine footballer.
With a heavy heart we must pay tribute to Lorcan and sympathise with his family
and many friends. All committee members and teammates wallowed in grief as we
carried his remains from O’Neill Park to All Saints Church and said our
final farewell.
Lorcan showed his talent from an early age and during those formative years
developed his skills in the blue of Doohamlet. Winning honours at Juvenile level
he and his best friend Paul McArdle were rewarded for their talents when both
were selected on the county minor panel of 2005 and indeed Lorcan made his senior
debut that same year for Doohamlet. Under the guidance of managers Gerry Fitzpatrick
and more recently Dessie McBennett Lorcan became a regular starter on our senior
team and took great honour playing alongside his brothers in blue.
Always played in the forwards, Lorcan revealed his desire recently to try his
hand in defence and when an opportunity arose in early season Dessie played
him at wing half back and Lorcan had great delight in letting everyone know
of his match-winning move.
Amidst the grief, his teammates returned to competitive action and though Lorcan
with his trademark blue boots cannot be with them in battle all the players
and backroom staff will strain every sinew in his honour.
Our thoughts are will his grieving parents, Teddy and Betty, sister Grace and
brothers Gavin, Greg and Ted.
His cheeky character and zest for fun will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
May the Doohamlet sod rest gently on his soul.
Doohamlet GFC
Colette O’Brien (Emyvale)
Colette was mother of Eugene O’Brien, vice-chairperson of the ladies club
and grandmother of Sinead, Claire and Ellen, all playing members with the Emyvale
ladies team. Her sons Val and Enda were also previously prominent Emyvale players.
Peter Treanor (Emyvale)
One of the last surviving members of the famous Emyvale team that made football
history in 1945 when they became the first club ever in Monaghan to win the
junior double of league and championship. A regular at right half back, and
later as a goalkeeper, he was one of the most consistent footballers ever to
don the Emyvale jersey.
Kevin Donnelly (Middletown)
From 2002 Kevin Donnelly was manager of the Emyvale ladies senior team which,
under his guidance and training, eventually matured to win the 2008 county intermediate
championship, then the Ulster intermediate Club championship and finally the
All-Ireland Intermediate Club championship. A native of Middletown, Co. Armagh
- ‘next door’ to Emyvale parish - Kevin was a dedicated GAA man, and
made the short trip across the Blackwater several times every week to train
the Emyvale girls. He was an integral part of the club and it was his inspirational
qualities that ultimately paid such rich dividends for the Emyvale ladies this
year. His untimely death came as a dreadful blow to the Emyvale club and it
was partly the love and admiration that the team had for this amazing man that
really spurred the girls on to such phenomenal success in 2008.
Eilis McCabe (Aughnacloy)
Eilis, a native of Aughnacloy, was sister of Vincent McAnespie, former Emyvale
player, one of our hardest working committee members, especially with the juveniles,
and the inspiration behind the erection of the unique ‘Memorial Garden’
that currently adorns the entrance to Emyvale’s main pitch at Tully.
All supplied by Emyvale GFC
Mary Caldwell (Magheracloone)
Mary was a member of a family that are lifelong supporters of the club. Her
son, Eugene, served the club in many capacities, and was a member of the executive.
He also acted as a selector for a number of years. Eugene continues to be a
strong supporter of the club. Other members of the family are also loyal supporters.
Pauric McGrane (Magheracloone)
Pauric had been living in Spain for a number of years but returned home to Magheracloone
a number of times each year. He ran an English summer school in Carrickmacross
and took a great interest in local affairs. His nephew and nieces are very active
in the GAA in the parish, both on the field of play and in Scor na nOg.
Alan Reilly (Magheracloone)
Alan was the brother of Christina Reilly who starred for the Monaghan ladies
team which went all the way to the All-Ireland final this year.
All supplied by Magheracloone Mitchells GFC
Our thanks to the Inis Caoin for submitting the following bereavements;
Michael Kindlon (Colga, Inniskeen)
Michael is the father of one of our former hurlers
Bridie Monahan
(Ballintra, Inniskeen)
Bridie was the mother of our chairman Eamonn Monahan and also the sister, mother,
and grandmother of former and current Grattan players.
Dympna Kirk (Drumass, Inniskeen)
Dympna was the mother of our main sponsor Hugh Kirk, owner of Inniskeen Joinery,
and also mother of former Grattans and a noted camogie player in her youth.
Owen McHugh (England/Inniskeen)
Owen was a former great player and had a gift for stringing words together and
composing a poem about an infamous game played between Inniskeen and Donaghmoyne
in Brackagh Meadow.
Bridie McKenna (Carrickmacross)
Bridie was the sister of Inniskeen legend and Hall of Fame recipient Lukie McEnaney.
Tom Meegan
(Candlefort, Inniskeen)
Tom was the brother, uncle and granduncle of former Grattans and from a family
who have been involved with the Grattans since its inception.
Sheila McArdle
(Callanberg, Inniskeen)
Sheila was the grandmother of one of our brightest prospects.
Rose Fitzpatrick
(Drogheda/Inniskeen)
Rose was the mother of former Grattan legends.
Mary Rice (Candlefort, Inniskeen)
Mary was the mother and grandmother of former and current Grattans.
Packie Boylan
(Drumboat, Inniskeen)
Packie was a former player and administrator with the club and a recipient of
our Hall of Fame award.
Harry Percy (Navan)
Harry was the brother-in-law of a former Grattan.
Maisie Carolan (Carrickmacross)
Maisie was the sister of a former Grattan.
Clem Dooley (England)
Clem was the brother of a former Grattan.
Mickey Smith (Blackstaff)
Mickey was the uncle of a former Grattan.
Ar dheis lamh De go raibh a amacha dhilis
Jimmy Healy (Oram)
Jimmy was a former senior team manager in the late 1970s and a regular supporter
of all club activities.
Fred Boyd (Oram)
Fred was a prominent player on the 1968 Hackett Cup winning team.
Rose Graham (Oram)
Rose was the grandmother of Paul, Tony, Sean and Pauric Graham and was a keen
supporter of the club and regular ticket seller for club fundraisers.
Paddy McGuinness (Oram)
Paddy was a former club chairman and sponsor of the club.
EP Nugent (Oram)
EP was the grandfather of club players Jonathan and Christopher McGuinness.
Eddie Paul was also a sponsor of the club.
Brian Brennan (Oram)
Brian was the father of club players Luke, Sophie and Hugh. Brian was a regular
attender at juvenile matches in the club.
Val Murphy (Oram)
Val was a keen supporter of the club and brother of prominent club players of
the 1980’s - Pat and Mickey Murphy.
Obituaries submitted by Oram GFC.
Tony Smith (Dooskey)
Killeevan gaels were united in their sympathy for the family and relatives of
Tony Smith, Dooskey who passed away in April ‘08. He had acted as a referee
for the neigbouring Aghabog club during the 1970s and 80s. Tony is the father
of current club secretary Patricia and senior player Noel. He was an avid supporter
of the Killeevan Sarsfields club.
Kevin Lynn (Newbliss/Drogheda)
It was a source of great sadness that the Killeevan club learned of the death
of Kevin Lynn, Drogheda (formerly Annacore, Newbliss) last March. Kevin was
a former player with Killeevan in the ‘70s.
Paddy McGuirk
It was with great sadness to the Killeevan club when they learned of the death
of Paddy McGuirk. Paddy is the father of former players of the club and has
grandchildren playing with the club at present.
Supplied by Killeevan GFC
Ester McGinnity (Tullynahinera)
It was with a great sense of shock and sadness that the club and community learned
of the sudden and untimely passing of Ester McGinnity. Ester was a gentle soul
who always had a warm greeting and word of welcome for everyone who crossed
her path. Although not a regular match attendee, Ester nonetheless had a great
love of Drumhowan Geraldines and for many years performed the unenviable task
of washing the jerseys after the match. She was an unassuming person who devoted
her life to her husband Terry and their six children, Gerome, Regina, Stephen,
Damian, Aine and Emer. Her funeral mass, celebrated by her brother-in-law Fr.
PJ McGinnity, assisted by Monsignor McSorley, was one of the largest witnessed
in recent times at Our Lady of Knock Church, Ballintra and bore testament to
the high esteem in which she and her family are held in the community and beyond.
The club wishes to extend its sympathy to Terry, her children and grandchildren,
sons and daughters in-law and her extended families, both Mallon and McGinnity.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam Dhilis.
Drumhowan GFC
Seamus McCabe (Clones)
Seamus from McCurtain Street in Clones was a brilliant handballer. He was the
first Ulsterman to win an All-Ireland senior handball title. For Seamus 1966
was certainly a year of glory and a long string of successes in secondary grades
moulded the left-handed Clones star into the All-Ireland champion.
Mary Ellen Meehan
(Garron, Clones)
Mary Ellen was the mother of Johnny Meehan, a former player and manager with
Eire Og. She was also the mother-in-law of club chairman Brendan McMahon
The following are obituaries attached to Monaghan Harps GAA:
Tommy Cuddy
Tommy’s son Tom was a former coach with Harps underage teams right up to
minor level.
Laurence Coyle
Larry lived in Limerick and was the brother of chairman Fergus Coyle.
Francie McCaffrey
Francie was the father of Mary White, the juvenile club chairperson.
Pete Lambe
Pete acted as a consultant in the provision of the complex at Gavan Duffy Park.
Siobhan McArdle
Sibohan, with her husband Sean ran the well-known McArdle Farm Services for
many years. Her son-in-law Colm Herron has acted as team coach, mentor and player
for the club.
The Donaghmoyne club extends it sympathy to the Mooney family on the death
of Mick Mooney. Mick was the last surviving member of the 1933-34 championship
team. Also to the family of young Conor McSkeane. Conor was part of our Mini
Fontenoy Group and will be sadly missed by all.
Jim McElroy (Latton)
On Holy Thursday last, 20th March 2008, Latton and its wider area was deeply
saddened to learn of the death of Jim McElroy, a dedicated servant to the local
community and friend to many. Jim’s generosity to all was immense, his
friendship appreciated by all who knew him. His passing truly left a void in
the community. A recipient of the Latton O’Rahilly GAA Hall of Fame award
in 2005, Jim was a loyal servant of the O’Rahilly club as a player, administrator
and supporter.
A member of the loyal O’Rahilly family, Jim, along with his brothers, the
late Francie and Ben, began their playing careers with the ‘Rocky Street’
side in the parish league of 1951 organised by the late Fr. McGeough. During
the early 1950s, Jim established himself as a regular on the Latton side, playing
at left half forward in the junior championship win of 1954 when Latton defeated
Castleblayney by 2-5 to 1-1 in the final. 1955 saw Jim move to wing-half back,
as Latton won the Hackett Cup for the first time in a final where Magheracloone
were left scoreless.
A member of the 1959 Dr. Ward Cup winning panel, Jim showed excellence as an
administrator serving the club in many positions, including chairman for a long
period and honourary club president up to the time of his death.
As a noted member of Latton Drama Society, Jim gave many outstanding stage performances
and was deeply involved in the promotion of Scor in the club over many years.
In his latter years, Latton Bowls Club proved another great social outlet for
Jim along with tireless charity work for Bothar and other worthy organisations.
The Latton club salute you and recall your memory Jim and offer to Ben and the
extended family our sympathies.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.
Latton GAA
Mollie McCarville (Ballinode)
Mollie worked as a nurse on the staff at St. Davnets Monaghan. She married Mick
McCarville in 1953 and reared a great GAA family from their home in Drumbarnet.
She is the mother of former Monaghan and Scotstown stars Jack and Seamus McCarville.
Mollie’s grandsons Declan, Niall and Shane McCarville are all current Scotstown
players.
Pat McMahon (Anney, Latton)
Pat was a long-standing Latton player and a member of the 1954 junior championship
winning combination. He was also involved with of the 1955 Hackett Cup winning
side and played right through the 1960s. Thereafter he remained a key supporter
of the Cavan border club and the Monaghan team. One of his proudest moments
was seeing Latton win the 2008 senior football championship. He son Gerald played
for the club as did his talented nephews Finbar and Brendan Fitzpatrick (who
wore the county colours at various stages of their careers). From the Anney
part of Latton, Pat is survived by his wife Mary, daughter AnnMarie, son Gerald
and sisters Maureen and Eileen.
The Aghabog club would like to send their sympathy to the families of the following
deceased:
Phil Hanawin
Phil was a former player with the club in the 1950s and 1960s.
John McCabe
Like Phil Hanawin, John was also a player from the 1950/60s era.
The following deaths are associated with the Killanny club:
Martin McMahon
Martin played with the club during the late 1960s, early 1970s. He was an the
Killanny team which won the junior championship in 1970.
Matt Veldon
Matt played with the club during the 1940s. He moved to Dunleer in county Louth
but returned in the late 1950s and lined out with the Geraldines again.
Dympna McGuinness
Dympna was a star camogie player with Killanny and was on the team that won
numerous championships throughout the 1980s.
Rosaleen Thornton
Rosaleen was a noted camogie player during the 1930s. Thereafter she remained
a very active member and her daughters also played camogie with the club.
Terry Connolly
(Dundalk Road, Castleblayney)
It is with great sadness that we record the death of one of Castleblayney’s
greatest sportsmen and one of life’s true gentlemen. Terry was born in
Belfast in 1934 to the late Peter & Josephine Connolly. The five years he
spent there must have sown the seeds for one of the county’s greatest ever
hurlers. He came to Castleblayney in 1939 with his parents, where his father
Peter set up a grocery shop on Main Street. In 1950, at the age of 16, Terry
went to work with his father in the shop. Terry had a particular affinity with
the rural folk of Castleblayney and as everyone knows you would have found Terry
after closing the shop on a late Saturday night, heading for Mullyash or Knockavolis
to deliver goods to people in remote areas. He worked there until 2001 when
he retired.
Over the years Terry was involved in so many organisations in Castleblayney;
Castleblayney Hurling
Castleblayney Faughs Football Club
Golf Club
Pioneer Association
Legion of Mary
St Joseph Young Priest Society
Knights of Columbanus
The 10 O’Clock gang – St Mary Church.
Terry was a great musician and played the accordion and piano. He was a founder
member of the Emmett Ceili Band and the Castleblayney Ceili Band. He also played
in the Castleblayney Accordion Band with one of his good friends Eamon Reilly.
He played football for Castleblayney Faughs but his passion was hurling. He
was an active member of the Castleblayney Hurling Club and was also involved
in organising of County Teams and played with distinction for Club, County and
Ulster. He graced the same field in the company of legends such as Christy Ring
in 1963. Terry held down most Administrative positions over the years and refereed
at all levels. It is great to see that his three sons Declan, Kieran and David
and grandson Brian have all excelled on the hurling field and are still walking
in his footsteps, proud of the memories that Terry left behind. On a Saturday
evening in Terry’s shop the craic would be high with Eddie Murphy and Frank
Marron two of his close hurling buddies, slagging and talking GAA. Up until
Terry’s recent sickness he would never miss a match and his passion for
the game was still as strong as ever supporting the green and gold up and down
the country. Terry was held in very high esteem by all his club mates and friends,
this was borne out by the large guard of honour which escorted him from his
home on Dundalk Road to St Mary’s Church and the massive attendance at
his funeral mass so well concelebrated by his good friend the very Rev Canon
Vincent Morris.
He graced the fields in green and gold
He ducked and dived to avoid his foe
He was cute and stylish and boy could he score,
Always a gentle giant among his foe.
He cherished a handshake after winning or losing.
My Hero – a legend – a gentleman – family man and a friend.
Terry is playing on another pitch now, but he will never be forgotten by his
team mates – friends and family in Castleblayney.
Ar Dheis de go raibh a hanam dhilis.
Noel Mc Guigan