The Late Declan (Deag) Ahearne

Another stalwart GAA man crossed the Great Divide last week with the death of Declan (Deag) Ahearne of Knockanore who gave a lifetime of priceless service to the local Shamrocks club.

Known affectionately to one and all as "Deag", he was the nearest thing to "Mr Shamrocks" you could ever meet. He must have held every senior administrative position in the club over the years, and I doubt if here was ever a championship game involving Shamrocks when Deag wasn't there to led his support.

He took great pride to the fact that his four sons, Liam Joe, Oliver, and Kieran all donned the green and white of the club with distinction, and of course Liam also represented the county at the highest level more than once.

Aged eighty eight, Derg's other passion in life was politics and the Fianna Fail party to which he also rendered extraordinary service. He was chosen to contest the local elections for the party in the Lismore electoral area many years ago, and the standing that he enjoyed was reflected in the ease with which he won a Council seat.

In all subsequent elections that he contested he was always re-elected, and when eventually he decided it was time to stand aside he did so happy in the knowledge that he had served and represented the people of his area admirably well.

They came no finer in this life than Deag Ahearne, and for my own part it was a pleasure and a privilege to have known and befriended him for as long as I had.

Very fittingly the Shamrocks club gave him a mighty send off last Saturday when he was laid to rest in his beloved Knockanore. The massive size of the turnout said all that ever needed to be said of this supreme gentleman.

To his sons Liam, Joe, Oliver and Kieran, his daughters Breda and Carmel, his brother Pat who resides in Boston, and to all the other members of the extended Ahearne family our deepest sympathy is extended.
Go ndeine Dia troaire ar a anam dilis.

Courtesy of the Waterford News & Star
19th April 2011 Tweet

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