Tony Tighe, Clonmore, Clones, Co. Monaghan
The death of Tony Tighe, aged 77, last July stunned the world of Gaelic football.
Tony had attended the All-Ireland football fourth round qualifier between Cavan and Mayo in Hyde Park, Roscommon and was leaving the grounds when he collapsed and died shortly afterwards.
He was one of four surviving heroes along with Mick Higgins, Simon Deignan and John Wilson of the famous All-Ireland final win over Kerry in the Polo Grounds, New York in 1947.
The holder of three All-Ireland senior championship medals won in 1947, 48 and 1952, as a forward he was one of the leading scoregetters in the ‘forties and ‘fifties.
Tighe’s goalscoring feats helped Cavan to many honours, netting twice in the 1948 final against Mayo and two more from the full forward position against arch rivals Meath in the 1952 drawn final, adding a point in the replayed victory.
His career as a county player began in 1945 when, as an eighteen-year-old, he played a minor championship game for Cavan against Monaghan in Clones and on the same day donned the blue jersey again to take his place on the Breffni senior team.
For the next eight years, Tony Tighe’s name became known throughout the country and was synonymous with a record number of medals including six Ulster championship souvenirs, three All-Ireland senior medals in 1947, 1948 and 1952, a national league medal and two Railway Cup mementos with Ulster, the last one in 1950.
He was also on the Irish team on two occasions which played annually against the Combined Universities.
A prolific scorer, he amassed a total of 10-25 in nine championship campaigns.
Despite his achievements on the field, Tony’s career was in fact a brief one. He was forced to retire from county football in 1953 with a back injury.
However when he moved to Clones in the same year, he continued to play club football for Clones St Tiernach’s for a few more years.
Tony began his club football with Mountnugent and won a Cavan senior championship medal in 1946 on a team which also included some of his county colleagues, Mick Higgins and Peter Donohoe, as well as Connie Kelly who had originally been on the Cavan team but subsequently declared for Meath.
Then, in 1951, he captained Castlerahan to a junior championship title.
Tony was among those honoured in 1997 to mark the 50th anniversary of that famous 1947 win and he travelled with the surviving members to New York for the celebrations.
The funeral took place from the Sacred Heart Church, Clones to the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Eugene O'Reilly, Annagh, Ballyconnell
The death of Eugene robbed the Ballyconnell area of a hugely popular figure.
A retired pharmacist, Eugene practiced for many years in Main Street and took a great interest in all community activities.
He served on many local committees, including Kildallan GAA.
Eugene was particularly proud of the First Ulster's GAA pitch.
The Kildallan GAA helped form a guard of honour at the removal of his remains.

Christopher Rogers, Mulhuddart and formerly of Main Street Arva
Christopher, or Christy as he was known, passed away suddenly to the great regret of his family and many friends.
A member of the family who owned the "Longford Bar" in Arva, he played football in his youth and won a Junior championship with the blues in those years.
In 1947 he married Nora Hartin from Lough Gowna and later moved to Dublin.
However he retained a great gra for Cavan football and on social occasions he could often be heard singing about Cavan's 1947 All-Ireland SFC triumph.

John McCaffrey, Swellan
The sudden death of John McCaffrey shocked his family and many friends.
Aged 59, John was a member of a well known family involved in the fruit and veg. business.
John took a keen interest in sport, particularly in the GAA which saw him follow the fortunes of Drumalee GAA.
John was a former chairman of the juvenile club and also acted as caretaker of the grounds while helping out with the weekly fund raising Lotto.
He was very proud of his sons', Colin and Tony, playing careers with Drumalee.
Drumalee GFC formed a guard of honour for his funeral.

John Brady, Antiduff, Ballyhaise
The death on St. Patrick's Day last year of John Brady robbed his family of a precious relative and the GAA world of a firm supporter.
John was a former keen footballer with the Ballyhaise club, a life long GAA supporter and President of Ballyhaise GAA.
Club members formed a guard of honour for his removal from his home to Ballyhaise church.

John P. McKiernan, Garrymore
Profound shock was the reaction of the family, relations and friends at the sudden passing of John P in mid-March last year.
John was a very quiet and respected man who was, first and foremost, a devoted father and husband.
He was a firm supporter of the GAA and was proud that his sons Brian, Pauric and Oliver played at all grades for Lacken Celtic and that another son Sean distinguished himself as a building contractor.

John Cooney, Termon, Killinkere
Deep regret was the feeling abroad in Killinkere last March when news filtered through the community of the death of John Cooney.
John was one of Killinkere's best known citizens and was one of the club's most distinquished footballers.
He featured at midfield on the team that won the club's first minor championship in 1938.
John was subsequently chosen for the county junior team and had the honour of playing for Cavan against Kerry in Croke Park.
He gave long and brillant service to the Killinkere club, winning a senior league medal in 1938.
His last big game for Killinkere was when the club lost the senior semi-final to Bailieboro in 1953.

Ted Farrelly, Potahee, Ballinagh
There was widespread sorrow in the Ballinagh area at the death last March of Ted Farrelly, son of the late Sean and Rose Anne Farrelly.
In his youth, Ted was a brillant footballer who appeared destined for an exciting career before his business acumen led him to foreign fields and another successful direction in life.
In his youth he was an exceptional player with Ballinagh schoolboys and Crosserlough minors.

Thomas McCahill, Drumury, Ballintemple
Tommy, as he was affectionately known, passed away in late March 2005 much to the regret of his family and many friends.
Sadly Tommy suffered a stroke some years ago which saw him take some time out from supporting his beloved Lacken Celtic.
Apart from GAA matters, Tommy also had a great interest in farming and Irish music and he was an active member of the Cystic Fibrosis committee.

John Keady, Ballinagh
There was much sadness around the Ballinagh area and much further afield last March with the passing of John Keady N.T Drumkilly.
In his youth John resided at Claregalway, county Galway where in his early years he developed a great love for the game of hurling.
A talented player he was quickly spotted by the Galway mentors and was an automatic choice on Galway teams of all grades.
As an administrator he gave invaluable service to the game of hurling in Cavan, serving with distinction as Secretary and PRO of Cavan Hurling Board.

John Martin, Corglass, Kingscourt
There was genuine regret in the Kingscourt area in late March 2005 when news spread of the demise of John Martin.
The deceased was in his 90th year and apart from his interest in music and in the Corlea Fife and Drum band was a keen follower of politics and football.
In the forties, he often cycled to Croke Park to attend Cavan matches.

Bernard McKenna, Kilnawley
The entire parish of Kinawley was saddened to learn of the sudden death of Bernard McKenna, Cornaskeouge, Kinawley.
Known as Barney, he was a hard working community man whom gaels in Swanlinbar would have known for his fondness of Gaelic football which he played in his early years.

Eddie (Ned) Gibney, Mullingar and formerly of Omard, Ballymachugh
The communities of Mullingar and Ballymachugh united in grief last April when news emerged of the death of Eddie Gibney.
Eddie had a long and distinguished career in the Defence Forces and was a firm follower of Gaelic games all his life.
He started his playing career with Ballymachugh but spent the major part of his life with St. Loman's in Mullingar where he held many positions.
At county level he served Westmeath as a match official at all levels.
He was laid to rest with full military honours in Mullingar after Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King.

John Fitzsimons, Cartronfree, Mullahoran
There was widespread regret in Mullahoran at the death in April last of John Fitzsimons after a short illness.
An industrious member of the farming community, John was popular with young and old.
At his funeral Mass, his football colleague Fr. Jack Boylan, paid tribute to John's great footballing skills as a defender.
John won seven county championship medals with the local club during the glorious forties and again in 1950.
He also played with the county junior team and he recalled cycling to Clones in 1947 to see Cavan play in the Ulster SFC.
In his eighties when he died, John was a good neighbour and very religious.

Maureen McGovern, Leggendenn, Denn
Maureen is the mother of Ciaran, Padraig, Martin, Marian and Deirdre. Ciaran is currently in the US and was a former player with the Denn club, while Martin is another star with the Crosskeys outfit and gained fame for his part in the popular TG4 Underdogs series. Padraig currently plays with the Denn senior team.

Tom Coyle, Shankill Upr, Cavan
The untimely death of Tom Coyle, Shankill Upper on April 30 last shocked his family, a large circle of friends and the entire GAA community in Cavan.
Aged just 43, Tom's death robbed a young family of a devoted father and husband.
Tom was employed by Cavan County Council and was forever helping people who sought his assistance in the fields of local history and local sport among other spheres.
Tom enjoyed Gaelic football in particular and served in a number of capacities in the Killygarry club, including Secretary and PRO.
He also looked after some of the club's underage teams in the early nineties.
A quiet, courteous man, Tom's passing was marked by a guard of honour from, among other organisations, members of Killygarry GAA.

Peter Albert McGovern, Swanlinbar
The McGovern family were filled with sadness on May 9th last when their beloved Peter Albert passed away at the age of 83 years.
Peter was a renowned poet, songwriter with the most famous of his works being "The Gallant John Joe".
He was a patriot all his life who adhered to his beliefs and ideals with consistency and honesty.
Michael McDonald, Dublin and late of Earlsvale Road, Cavan
Gaels in Cavan town joined with the McDonald family in mourning the loss last May of Michael McDonald, formerly of Earlsvale Road, Cavan town.

Michael (Maxie) died in Castleknock at the age of 55.
He was a former member of the Garda whose father owned the 'The Hub Bar'.
He played football in the late sixties and early seventies at juvenile and minor levels with Cavan Gaels and was selected for the county minor team in 1968 which was then managed by PJ Carroll.
He won minor league and championship medals as well as a Junior B championship medal.

Mary Josephine Quinn, Gortmullen, Derrylin
The death of Mary Josephine Quinn at her residence in mid-May last was widely mourned.
She was a matriachal figure in a family which included Sean, proprietor of a number of hotels and other businesses plus Peter, financier and former President of the GAA.
Mrs. Quinn celebrated her 92nd birthday on April 4th
Her funeral took place from St. Mary's Church, Teemore to the adjoining cemetry and was attended by a whole host of government and sporting dignatories including GAA President Sean Kelly plus Director General Liam Mulvihill and a number of past presidents.

John Sheridan, Belturbet
There was much regret in the Belturbet and Cavan town areas when news spread of the demise of John Sheridan, St. Mary's Terrace, Belturbet in early May last.
John, aged 48, passed away peacefully at his home after an illness which he bore with bravery and dignity.
John was born into a famous sporting family of nine in Cavan town.
Two of his brothers, Greg and Dominic, won All-Ireland handball medals and his late uncle Peter Donohoe was a renowned Cavan footballer.
John was a good husband and father and a keen footballer with Belturbet after he moved to the town some years ago.

Patricia McCormack, Kingscourt
The people of Kingscourt and much further afield were greatly saddened to learn of the death in early May of Patricia McCormack, lower Main Street.
In her 82nd year when she died in early May, Patricia ran a shop for many years in the town and it was a favourite meeting place for football enthusiasts in the forties and fifties who would listen to one of the few radios in town at that time.
A bench seat outside the open kitchen window allowed people to tune into Micheal O'Hehir's football commentaries.
Patricia, along with her late husband Patsy, followed the fortunes of all the local football teams. Her sons and grandsons played for both Meath and Cavan.

PJ Brady, Virginia
It was with a feeling of great regret that people of Virginia greeted the death of PJ Brady, Correagh, Lurgan in May last.
A progressive farmer, PJ loved his family, politics and took a great interest also in Gaelic football.
He played football for Lurgan as a young man.
A guard of honour was provided at his funeral by, among other groups, the Lurgan under 12 footballers.

Mary Farrelly, Bexcourt and formerly of Knockbride
All within the Bailieboro community were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mary Farrelly (nee McCabe) at the Mater Hospital in Dublin on May 11th last following a long illness.
Aged just 45, Mary was a member of the McCabe family from Tunnyduff.
Mary had a keen interest in sport in general but particularly in camogie which she played in her younger years and in which she won many medals and plaques.

Peter O'Reilly, Lisgrey House, Virginia
The sudden and untimely death of popular publican Peter O'Reilly came as a shock to everyone who knew and loved him.
Peter died on May 27th at the age of 73, having enjoyed good health right up until his death.
He played an active part in the community and he was highly thought of in football circles where his support for club football and his catering for teams after matches knew no bounds.
He was generous with his time and energy and gave unstintingly to every local cause or club fund raising effort.
A guard of honour was provided by the Lurgan underage footballers and Ramor United GFC among others.

Sean Morris, Corracharra, Shercock
The death of Sean Morris in May last shocked his family and his many friends in both his native county Monaghan and his adopted county Cavan.
Sean, aged 78, had been ill for some time but bore his illness with great dignity.
Originally from the Lisnalong area, Sean played football for the Drumgoon team, many of whom formed a guard of honour at his removal.

Phil Sheridan, Railway Road, Cavan town
A native of Drumcullion, Phil's death last May robbed his family and many relations of a fine relative and a firm friend.
In his youth, Phil was a brillant footballer and was a regular on the Cornafean senior teams in the thirties and early forties when they were the leading club in the county.
He won four senior county championship medals with Cornafean between 1936 and 1940.
After the death of his wife Madge, he came to live in Railway Road where he was active in the community.
He had a quick wit and a pleasant and affable personality which made him popular with many people.

Charlie (Lawless) Clarke, Bailieboro
Everyone in the Bailieboro community and much further afield were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Charlie Clarke, Market Square on June 12th 2005.
Charlie or Lawless, as everyone affectionately knew him, was born in Ballinamoney in 1929 before moving to England to find work.
In 1973 Charlie, his wife Mary and their two children Charlie and Philip moved back to Bailieborough where he became an invaluable member of the local Shamrocks club.
Charlie won championship medals with Bailieboro Shamrocks in 1952 and 1955.
He was a lifelong supporter of the Shamrocks and a regular at their games.

Eamonn J. McDonnell, Belturbet
Mid-July 2005 will forever be etched in the minds of a number of people in the Belturbet area as the time of Eamonn J McDonnell's death.
Eamonn was 91 years young when he died and will be remembered fondly for his work in the teaching profession and his long number of years as principal at St. Bricin's Vocational School in Belturbet.
As principal he was responsible for the building of the school's new wing in 1977 and retired three years later in 1980.
One of his closest friends was the former Fermanagh-South Tyrone MP Frank McManus whom he met through football.
Eamonn and his brothers Charlie and Thomas were prominent players in their time.
All of them played on the Fermanagh senior team.
Eamonn was selected on the Ulster colleges team which won the inter-provincial competition two years running in the 1930s.
He was one of the first inductees into the Fermanagh GAA Hall of Fame and was an automatic choice on Fermangh's Team of the Century.

Peter Magee, Kildare and formerly of Shercock
It was with deep regret that the people of Glassleck and the wider area of Shercock learned of the passing of Peter in Straffan, county Kildare last July.
Peter operated a thriving construction company in Celbridge with a number of his brothers.
A noted playing member of Shercock GFC in his younger days, he retained a deep love of Gaelic football and had unfailing optimism in the Cavan football team, regardless of the poor results.

Thomas F. Woods, Ballinagh
There was widespread regret throughout the Ballinagh area at the death in mid July of Thomas F Woods following a short illness.
Thomas served as a member of the Gardai in Ballinagh since 1972.
An outstanding Gaelic footballer, he gave sterling service to Clontibret O'Neills and the Monaghan senior county team and he had the unique distinction of winning county championship medals in Offaly, Donegal, Derry and Monaghan.

Patsy Conlon, Carrickatobar, Denn
There was much sadness in the parish of Denn last July when the news spread of the sudden death of Patsy Conlon.
Patsy earned so many plaudits over the year for being the man on the 'gate' whether it was for GAA matches, festivals, field days etc.
He was Treasurer of Denn GAA for many years and was vice-president of the club at the time of his demise.

Michael McCabe, Knockaughey, Corlismore
July 4th last saw the unexpected death of Michael McCabe, Corlismore.
Husband of Maura (nee Lynch) and father of county player Dermot and Martin, Declan, Seamus, Gabriel, Rosemary, Berni and Helen, the late Michael was a great GAA fan.
A minute's silence was observed prior to the Ulster minor semi-final replay in Crossmaglen between Cavan and Down.

Charlie Byrd, Virginia and late of New York
The entire community of Virginia and the large Irish diaspora in New York were stunned by the death in mid July last of Charlie Byrd at his home in Virginia.
Charlie and his wife Mamie lived in Yonkers, NY for many years before returning to live with their children in Virginia.
Charlie was a life long officer and member of the Cavan GFC in New York and was a dedicated Cavan fan.
There was a minute's silence before the start of the ladies semi-final in Gaelic Park when Cavan clashed with Kerry/Donegal.

Matthew (Matty) Lynch, Highfield Road, Cavan town
Early August saw the passing of Matthew (Matty) Lynch to the dismay of his family, relations and a whole host of friends.
Matty was widely known and respected for his work in the Defence Forces and his involvement in the GAA.
Matty was born in Carrickatubber, Crosskeys in March 1918 and his career in the army was to be matched only by his sporting career for excitement and achievement.
He was a terrific athlete in his youth and excelled at cross country, winning the Ulster championship with Tomregan Harriers, Ballyconnell.
In the winter of 1961, Mattie was approached by the late TP O'Reilly, then chairman of Cavan County Board and then Cavan senior team manager Mick Higgins to be part of the county team training regime.
Matty gladly accepted the invitation and in 1962 introduced the novel idea of indoor training for the panel and, within a few months, Cavan were crowned Ulster SFC winners.
During the sixties and seventies Matty was still very involved in Cavan and Monaghan GAA matters, helping in the physical training of club and county teams, including Drumalee and the great Crosserlough seven in a row team.

Barney Coyle, Swellan Court, Cavan
The death of well known and much loved Cavan town man Barney Coyle shocked the county town community last August.
Barney fought his illness with great courage right up to his death at the young age of 47.
Barney loved sport and had a special affection for Cavan Gaels and was a keen supporter of the club all his life.
He played at all underage grades and took great pride in the achievements of his sons Kenneth and Fionan.
Of all the games he played with the Gaels, the one he most referred to was the Cavan minor final of 1976 when he lined out at corner forward on the team that lost out to Lavey-Laragh.
The recent success of the Gaels at senior level filled him with happiness.
A special memory for him was when he accompanied the Gaels under 12 and under 14 teams on their trip to London at Easter 1992.

Conor Gartlan, Kingscourt and late of London
The untimely death of Kingscourt native Conor Gartlan last September was greeted with dismay by his family and many friends.
A deep sense of shock hung over the east Cavan town when it became known that Conor had died in the Brompton Hospital in London.
In his 38th year, he had been living and working in London where he was self-employed.
In his younger years, he went to St. Patrick's College, Cavan and was an accomplished handballer during which time he became an Ulster champion for a period.

Sean Hopkins, Rahardrum, Virginia
Sean's death on September 24th 2005 was a source of much regret for his family and the people of Virginia and surrounding areas.
A very popular postman, Sean had a great love of the outdoors and nature and in his early years was renowned for his handball skills.
He was a devoted family man and his passing has left a huge void in their lives and in the lives of everyone who knew him.

Tommy Halton, Mullahoran
The people of Mullahoran lost a true friend when Tommy Halton, Drumgore, passed away unexpectedly at Cavan General Hospital last September.
Aged 91, Tommy had been failing in health for a short period but his death still came as a shock to those who knew him.
Tommy was a great community man and was vice-president of the Mullahoran Dreadnoughts club at the time of his death.
He followed the club through thick and thin and members of the club helped form a guard of honour for him at his removal.

Julia McGinn, Mountnugent
Former camogie great Julia McGinn left a lot of people very sad when she passed away at Sheelin nursing home.
Julia, of Lismacanican reached the grand age of 102 and had enjoyed excellent health up until the time of her death.
She was a great camogie player and was a member of the successful 1932/33 Cavan team.

Gerry Leddy, Gurteen, Arva
Arva lost one of its most popular citizens in mid-September last with the passing of Gerry Leddy at Cavan General Hospital after a relatively short illness.
Gerry was only 48 at the time of his death and was regarded at work and at play as a very decent individual.
In his younger days, he was a prominent member of the Arva football team and played for the club at different levels over the years.
He always kept a great interest in the game.
A minute's silence was observed before the Arva-Ballyhaise game which took place shortly after his passing.

Padraig Gallagher, Cootehill
The unexpected death of Padraig Gallagher (46) on September 23rd 2005 cast an air of gloom around the town of Cootehill not seen for a long time.
Padraig lived on Station Road and was the beloved son of Norah and the late Sean Gallagher.
Padraig was a passionate Gaelic games supporter and was a key player for Cootehill Celtic in his youth.
Members of Cootehill Celtic helped provide a guard of honour at the removal of his remains to St. Mary's, Middle Chapel.

Mary Doyle, Cavan town and late of Bennekerry, County Clare
The world of Gaelic games lost a significant ally in late September last with the demise of Mary Doyle.
Mary (nee Magee) lived at Breffni, Sion Cross, Bennekerry in county Clare but the inclusion of the word 'Breffni' in her address betrayed her true allegience.
Mary was a native of Cavan town and was an excellent community worker in parish affairs.
She was always willing to help whether that was as a member of Bennekerry school board or as developer of the now fine GAA grounds in Bennekerry.

Hughie (Anthony) Fitzpatrick
There was widespread regret in the Belturbet area last October when news filtered through to the locals of the demise of Hughie Fitzpatrick of Fay Cresent at the age of 77 after some years of failing health.
A former postman in the town, Hughie was a quiet and obliging person who, in his youth, was a renowned athlete taking part in many running events.
He was also an avid follower of Gaelic football and a member of the Rory's club all his life.
He never missed a Rory's match and their success was always a source of great joy to Hughie.
At the time of his death, Hughie was the Rory's vice-president.

Patrick Sheridan, Milltown
Seldom has a parish been rocked by a death as Milltown was last October with the sudden death of 27 year old Patrick Sheridan.
Eldest of a family of five born to PJ and Brigid Sheridan, Kilnaglare, Milltown, Patrick was widely known in football and music circles.
Patrick's remains were carried through the village of Milltown by his team mates from Drumlane GAA and players from Drumlane ladies GFC and Erne Gaels ladies football club lined the village street.
Patrick starred on successful league and championship-winning Drumlane teams over the years.

Paddy O'Brien, Drumgill, Kingscourt and late of Wigan, England
The death of Paddy O'Brien in November 2005 was mourned by a large number of people both in his native Kingscourt and in his adopted England.
The deceased died at the age of 74 having worked for British Rail for 50 years.
In his younger days, he played minor football with Kingscourt.
He later played junior and intermediate with the Shalebricks football club.
In 1954 he played with the Meath junior team.
He continued playing football on moving abroad and lined out with the Lancashire county team.

Charlie Clarke, Cordoagh, Kingscourt
There was genuine regret in the Kingscourt area last November when news of the death of Charlie Clarke on the 27th of the month spread.
One of nature's gentlemen, Charlie was a quiet man who had a passion for reading and Kingscourt and Cavan football teams.
In his younger days, Charlie was a dedicated footballer who also played in the Muff Fife and Drum band.

John Kellett, Bunnoe
There was deep sadness in the Bunnoe and Drung communities at the death of John Kellett on November 27th last.
John was born in 1918 and was the last of a long line of Kelletts who first arrived in Ballyholly over three centuries ago.
John was an honest and devout man and his friendly and outgoing personality endeared him to a lot of people.
He was a loyal member of Bunnoe Brass Band for over 50 years and was the last surviving member of the band that led the victorious Cavan team down Farnham Street when they returned from winning the All-Ireland final in the Polo Grounds, New York in 1947.
John also had a great memory and could clearly recall the faction fighting between Sinn Fein and the Hibernians in Drung at the birth of the Irish Free State.

Thomas Cullen, Pottle, Corlismore
A pall of sadness enveloped the Corlismore area on December 30th 2005 as news spread of Thomas Cullen's sudden death at his residence.
In his mid-thirties, Thomas was a well liked member of the local community who had a great love for the GAA.
Thomas won a number of underage medals with Gowna while his other great passion was a game of cards.

Peter Shiels, Sallaghan, Gowna
Although he never played Gaelic football, Peter Shiels followed the fortunes of Loch Gowna and the Cavan teams all his life.
Peter (Pee) was in his eighties when he died and right up to his demise had regularly attended matches around the county.
Pee was particularly proud when his nephew, George Cartwright, was elected chairman of Cavan GAA County Board.
Married to the former Anna May Brady from Gelsha, Ballinalee, he and his wife reared four sons all of whom have inherited a gra for Gaelic games.

Peter Gaffney, Kilnaleck
A member of a highly respected family, Peter Gaffney's death in December 2005 was greatly mourned by the gaels of Ballymachugh.
Peter, brother of the late Jimmy, was a long time player, member and official of Ballymachugh GAA.

Thomas Baxter, Ballinagh
Profound sorrow was felt in the Ballinagh area in early December 2005 when news spread of the death of Thomas Baxter, Main Street, Carrigallen after a brief illness.
One of the county’s leading GAA stalwarts, Thomas was instrumental in re-organising Ballinagh GFC and as club chairman in 1940/41 he played a major part in the success story of the Ballinagh minor team that brought county championship honours to the town in 1940 and in 1941.
A prominent member of Cavan County Board, he was also a noted amateur actor with the Ballinagh Dramatic Society.
On retiring from business, he returned to his home town of Carrigallen where he enjoyed wide popularity and attended many local matches.
Some time before his death, he was elected president of Drumreilly GAA.

Andrew Brady, Edenburt, Virginia and late of Carrigabruise
Deep sadness was felt in the greater Virginia area in early December with the passing of Andrew (Andy) Brady.
Aged 93, Andy passed away peacefully at a nursing home in Kells following a short illness.
He had a great love of the outdoors and a great love for his family and Irish culture.
He was a life long member of Virginia Agricultural Show Society.
Members of Maghera GAA and the Show Society formed guards of honour at his funeral.

John McBride, Ballinagh
December 2005 also saw the passing of John McBride, Caughoo, a widely known and respected resident in the Ballinagh area.
A farmer and building contractor by trade, John was a great GAA enthusiast and liked to follow his local team and the Cavan county teams.

Bishop Francis J MacKiernan
Bishop Francis J MacKiernan died unexpectedly on December 23rd 2005 at Cavan General Hospital to the shock of his sisters, sister in law, nieces and nephews and many friends.
For the final seven years of his life he resided at 5 Brookside Farnham Road, having retired at the age of 72 in October 1998.
Born on February 3rd, 1926 at Stradrinan, Aughawillan, he received his early education at St. Patrick's College Cavan before going onto Maynooth where he was ordained on June 17th 1951.
In 1972 Dr. MacKiernan was consecrated Bishop of Kilmore at the age of 46 and served as Bishop for 26 years.
He enjoyed a number of leisure pursuits, including attending GAA matches in Cavan and elsewhere.
His allegiences were often tested whenever Cavan and Leitrim clashed or at a Leitrim club game involving a local derby between Aughawillan and Sean O'Heslins, Ballinamore.

Tommy O'Rourke, Cornafean
The entire community in Cornafean and surrounding areas were greatly saddened by the death of Tommy O'Rourke, Annagh on Christmas morning, 2005.
Tommy was 69 years of age at the time of his passing and had given a lifetime of service to many organisations in the locality.
At the time of his death, he was Chairman of Cornafean Active Age Group and the Cornafean Vintage Ploughing Association.
Tommy was a great follower of Gaelic games and looked out for Cornafean's results in particular as well as all the Cavan teams.
He was also a prominent member of Ballinagh Gardening Club.

John Fay, Lislea, Cootehill
The death of John Fay, Lislea House, Kill, Cootehill on December 13th 2005 brought great sadness to his family and many friends.
The late John came from a long established and well respected family and had a deep interest in Gaelic football.
He was a staunch supporter of Cootehill Celtic GAA for whom he played football in his early years.
In more recent years he was associated with Cootehill Community Alert and their members together with members of Cootehill Celtic formed a guard of honour at his removal to St. Michael's Church.

Peter Smyth, Drumbo, Lisboduff
The Smyth family of Drumbo were joined by the gaels of Drung and Redhills in mourning the death of local man Peter Smyth who passed away peacefully at the Mater Hospital, Dublin on December 31st 2005 in his 85th year.
Peter was a life long farmer and also worked until his retirement as a ganger with Cavan County Council.
He had a great love for outdoor pursuits, including fishing, hunting and shooting, always accompanied by his faithful dog.
Peter loved Gaelic football, both as a player and a supporter.
He played first with Annagh and later with Drung, with whom he won a county junior championship medal in 1947.
A man of many talents, Peter was also a gifted fiddle player and provided the entertainment at local ceilis and weddings down the years.

James (Jim) Fitzgerald, Bailieborough
Early January 2006 saw the untimely death of Roscrea, county Tipperary native, James Fitzgerald, Lisgar at just 56 years of age.
After some time abroad and down the south of the country, Jim and his young family moved to Bailieborough in 1984 and in the following years he worked in many local establishments.
In 1997 Jim and Susan set up their own business on lower Main Street and it quickly thrived.
Jim had a great interest in hurling and in following the fortunes of his native Tipp.
In the 'eighties, Jim played hurling for the local Shamrocks.

Tommy Foster, Drumgesh, Drumlane
There was much regret felt in the Drumlane area in January last at the passing of Tommy Foster in Cavan General Hospital.
Formerly from Garadice, county Leitrim, Tommy came to Milltown in 1948 when he acquired a farm at Drumgesh.
He was very interested in sport and was a supporter of the Drumlane team down the years.

Margaret Maguire, Main Street, Cavan town
There was deep regret expressed by gaels and the general public alike in Cavan town in early January last when it was learned that 100 year old Mrs. Margaret Maguire, late of Main Street, had passed away.
A member of one of the oldest and most prominent business families in the county, she was sister of the late Paddy Elliott, well known building contractor.
Margaret devoted her life to raising her family and enjoyed the company of her friends and neighbours.
She lived a very active life right up until her mid-eighties.
Socially Margaret confined herself to following the fortunes of local club Cavan Gaels, a club her son Paddy played for and won a senior championship medal with when lining out at full-forward in the 1965 county final.
Margaret was predeceased by her husband Jim who died in 1958.

Jimmy Coyle (jnr), St. Martin's Estate, Cavan town
There was an air of disbelief around Cavan town on Friday January 13th last 2006 when news spread of the death of Jimmy Coyle in Alicante, Spain after a brief illness.
Jimmy (35) was a kind, gentle person and was always involved in local community organisations prior to going to live in Spain for the last two years of his life.
He was a member of Cavan Gaels' winning underage hurling teams in the 'eighties.

Charlie Tully, London and Ballyhaise
Family, friends and GAA associates all joined in mourning the death of Charlie Tully who died in London on January 15th last.
Charlie was a leading figure in the Irish emigrant community in London.
Charlie was born in 1926 in Ballyhaise and at St. Pat's College he developed his love for Gaelic football.
He played football alongside the likes of Fr. Seamus Hetherton and Peter Pritchard.
Charlie was involved with the Dulwich Harps GAA football club for a long number of years.
He was at the forefront in keeping the club moving forward and acted as Secretary for quite some time while being Tom Denning's right hand man.
Charlie regularly travelled to Ireland with the club's underage teams.
In addition to being a renowned photographer, he was Chairman of the London Cavan Association and became involved with Southwark Irish Cultural and Arts Development Centre and the Southwark Irish Festival.

Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Quivvy, Belturbet
There was much sadness at the death of Kathleen Fitzpatrick at the age of 86 last January after a long illness bore bravely.
Kathleen trained as a nurse in Scotland and was a talented camogie player on the Ashgrove camogie team.
She loved music but her favourite pastime was gardening and her garden at Quivvy was the showpiece of the countryside.

Tommy Galligan, Benbawn
In the county junior football championship final of 1963, Ballinagh beat Kingscourt by two points and it was Tommy Galligan who scored the all important winning goal. Ballinagh had last won this title in 1913 and thus the match winner will be forever engraved in the club’s history.
In 1958 Tommy gained a senior championship medal with Crosserlough. A host of other clubs he played for during an illustrious career included the likes of Dennbawn, Drumavaddy, Drumkelly and Dublin outfit Bamba. Later he was manager of the Denn minor league winning team of 1983 and the successful junior championship squad of 1984. Tommy Galligan was a much trusted selector as Denn scooped intermediate championship honours in 1988 and again in 1990. At the time of his death he was President of the club.

Johnny Masterson, Farnadolly, Ballinagh
The death of Johnny Masterson of Farnadolly in early February last was greeted by deep sadness among his family and friends.
Johnny was a great follower of football and in particular of his beloved Cornafean, he saw the glory days of the O'Reillys and other famous stars.
Johnny had a great knowledge of the game and could remember lineouts of teams from years back.
A teetotaller all his life, Johnny was a highly respected man in the community and also had a great love for traditional music.

Terry Dolan, Cookstown and formely of Main Street, Arva
It was with immense regret that the gaels of Arva and his many friends learned of the death of Terry Dolan which occurred at Craigavon Hospital in February 2006 following an illness.
A son of the late Cathal and Kathleen Dolan, Terry played football at underage level for Arva and was a popular member of the club and the local community.
His quiet but friendly nature endeared him to many people and his membership of the local St. Vincent de Paul bore testimony to his generosity.
Terry's faith was very important to him right up to his demise.

Miriam O’Connell, Killinkere
Miriam had been postmistress in Killinkere for 50 years. She was the eldest sister of the Sheridan family, a clan hugely immersed in local and county GAA affairs. Her husband, Ned played with various Maghera and Virginia combinations and remains a keen follower of all GAA activity. The huge attendance at Miriam’s house, removal and her funeral was according to the Anglo Celt “unprecendeted in Killinkere”.

Pascal Sherlock, Kingscourt
Pascal played for the old Gypsum team and later acted as a mentor. He was also actively involved with Kingscourt Stars, as a player, manager and supporter. He was a member of the local St. Marys Brass and Reed Band when it was reformed in 1962. In the mid 70s Pascal travelled with the band to London and played at the very popular Wembley GAA tournament games.

Jimmy Farrelly, Drumbar, Kingscourt
James (Jimmy) was in his 96th year and in his earlier days lined out in the Muff jersey. Later he moved to Kingscourt Stars and usually played in the full forward position. Jimmy always followed the fortunes of the local Stars and of course, the county team. Those wins, losses, great footballers etc. were discussed over and over again by Jimmy and his friends. At his removal the local Kingscourt Stars formed a Guard of Honour.

Kathleen Dinneny, Drumhilla, Killeshandra
Kathleen was the widow of Cavan great Mick Dinneny. Mick gained eleven Cavan senior championship medals with famed Cornafean during the club’s glorious era between 1928 and 1943. He was right full back as Sam Maguire made its first visit to the hills of south Ulster in 1933 and left full in 1935.

Bernard Dobson, Arva
Bernard (Ben) was a keen follower of GAA games and his nephews wore the local Arva colours.

Patsy McDonnell, Maghera
Patsy hailed from over the Meath border in Ballinlough. He was a star player with his native club and won Meath intermediate championship honours in 1954. His brother, the late Mattie, was a brilliant half forward on the Royal County team which gained All-Ireland senior championship honours in 1949, ironically at Cavan’s expense, and in 1954. On moving across the county divide to farm, Patsy immediately became immersed in local GAA activity. He played with Maghera and later served both the Lurgan underage and Ramor clubs in most capacities. He was a founder member of Ramor United where he acted as chairman and spearheaded the development of the impressive facilities on the Kells Road. Patsy McDonnell’s sons Derek, Brian, David and Kevin were to the fore as Ramor became the top club in Cavan. Derek of course, was a star forward for both Cavan and Ulster. Patsy was also deeply involved in the Virgina Agricultural Show Society, which he chaired for some years.