Cathal O’Rourke (Killeshandra) Widespread shock and sadness followed the untimely death of Killeshandra club treasurer Cathal O’Rourke of Portlongfield. Cathal was a popular figure within the GAA and also at his Lakeland Dairies workplace. He lined out for the Leaguers for many years, usually at full back, and was also active in the club as a trainer and administrator. He was club treasurer at the time of his death and also co-treasurer of the St Joseph’s minors and U16s as well as joint-manager of the junior team and manager of the U14s. Adult and underage players from the club were joined by County Board officers in providing a Guard of Honour for Cathal’s journey from the club grounds to St Brigid’s Church. Connie Smith (Kilnaleck) The local community was left stunned by the death of 34-year-old Connie Smith, Ardleny, in a tragic drowning accident in County Waterford in April. Connie played football with Lacken and was a notable charity worker, having travelled to Sudan, Darfur, Angola and Afghanistan with Goal. He was employed as an engineer by Waterford Urban Council. Connie led a very busy and active life and he was a keen sports enthusiast, taking part in many disciplines. Members of Lacken GFC provided a Guard pf Honour at the funeral and the offertory gifts at Connie’s funeral mass included a globe, a hurley, a fiddle and a family photo. Peter Cronin (Kilnaleck) The late Peter Cronin of Derrin passed away and was laid to rest in Gloucester in England, having left home almost 40 years ago. A big GAA supporter who followed the fortunes of both Crosserlough and the county team, Peter always kept a close eye on what was happening back home in Cavan. Kathleen McKiernan (Belturbet) The passing of Mrs Kathleen McKiernan of Erne Hill, Belturbet at Cavan General Hospital on August 6th, 2010 caused much sadness and regret. Born in the 1920s, and formerly Kathleen Greene, she was a capable cards player and an ardent supporter of both the local Rory O’Moores and the Cavan county team. Peter McDermott (Drumgoon) The untimely passing on July 15th, 2010 of 58-year-old Peter ‘Bosco’ McDermott of Bough, Cootehill caused an immense sense of loss in the Drumgoon and Cootehill area. A native of Carrickmacross, Bosco was an ardent Drumgoon supporter and also a big follower of horse racing. He rarely missed a game at Boyle Park, where he served regularly as an umpire and he was a proud man in 2009 when his daughters Aisling and Muireann played on the Drumgoon ladies team that won the senior shield. A Drumgoon jersey featured amongst the offerings at Peter’s funeral. Mary Curran (Munterconnacht) Mrs Mary Curran of Croghan, Munterconnacht passed away in July 2010 following a long battle with illness. Her three passions in life were religion, traditional Irish music and the Lurgan ladies football teams. She supported the local ladies club avidly and her daughter Sinead starred on the team that won the 2000 All-Ireland title. Mary (Maureen) hailed from a strong footballing family in Leitrim and passed this on to her children. Patsy Barry (Bailieborough) The late Mr Patsy Barry of Curkish, Bailieborough, passed away at Cavan General Hospital on January 9th, 2010 following a short illness. Patsy was a lifelong supporter and follower of the GAA. As a player, he was a member of the Killinkere minor team that won the county championship in 1956. Eight years later, Patsy won a county SFC with Bailieborough Shamrocks. He served on the club committee thereafter, holding a variety of positions, including club secretary, for more than 20 years. Patsy also served the club with distinction at County Board and Ulster Council levels, and he was also a representative on national council. He was a selector with the Cavan senior football panel, assistant secretary of the County Board and a member of the Disputes Resolution Committee. Jim Brady (Virginia) Ramor United GFC was greatly saddened as news spread concerning the death of Jim ‘The Miller’ Brady from Lattoon. Jim was a member of the Virginia Blues panel that won the junior championship in 1958 and he went on to become a loyal Ramor supporter, following all teams in the club. He served as chairman of Lurgan from 1973 until ’76, before it was amalgamated into Ramor Utd. Jim was elected club treasurer at Ramor’s first ever meeting in January 1976 and served in that capacity for the next six years. He went on to hold a variety of positions within the club and was honorary president at the time of his death. He made an immense contribution to the club over the years and this will be carried on by current and future generations of the Brady family. Thomas McGivney (Denn) Thomas McGivney, Denmore was a great Denn clubman. Thomas was involved in virtually all aspects of parish life over the years, including gaelic football. He played for Drumavaddy before the merger to form Denn in 1969. In 1971, he was on the Denn side that faced Drumlane at the semi-final stage of the junior championship. Thomas was a club delegate to the County Board for over 20 years and he served on the club committee in practically every capacity, including chairman and secretary. He was also a former team selector. The Denn man was a huge supporter of both club and county. At his funeral, Denn GFC carried the coffin all the way from Denn Cross to the church, where several Guards of Honour were assembled as a mark of respect. Sean Sodan (Ballyjamesduff) Publican Sean Sodan spent his whole life in Ballyjamesduff. He retired from running Sodan’s pub about a decade ago. He had a big interest in the GAA and football was always a main topic in Sodan’s Bar. Sean and his brothers lined out at all levels for Ballyjamesduff / Castlerahan. Michael Joseph Brady (Ballinagh) Ballinagh native Michael Joseph Brady passed away at his home in The Bronx, New York. Michael Joe was one of the town’s best-known and respected men. He was a brilliant young footballer with Ballinagh and helped the club to two SFC final appearances in the early 1960s. Michael Nulty (Kilnaleck) The GAA was one of the great loves of Michael Nulty’s life, up there alongside his family and his farm. From the townland of Drumbarry, he was a strong supporter of Drumkilly and then Crosserlough. He also supported the county team. For Michael’s funeral, his coffin was draped in the blue and white jersey of Denbawn, a defunct club that prospered in the middle of the last century featuring players from both Denn and Crosserlough. Jimmy Fay (Kilnaleck) The passing of highly respected local GP Dr Jimmy (James Vincent) Fay at his Kilnaleck residence caused widespread sorrow. As a young boy growing up in Ballyjamesduff, Jimmy excelled at gaelic football and regularly wore the Castlerahan jersey from underage level right through to senior ranks. He first lined out with the senior team at aged 16 and went on to give 15 years’ service as a player, winning an IFC medal in the 1960s and a SFC souvenir with the St Mary’s amalgamation in the 1970s. An outstanding centre back, he also played Sigerson and Dublin SFC fare with UCD and was good enough to represent Cavan on a number of occasions. Dr Fay also coached underage teams in Crosserlough and acted as club doctor. Guards of Honour were provided by members of Castlerahan and Crosserlough GAA clubs as well as Kilnaleck Co-operative Society, Kilnaleck Sheltered Homes and the Lourdes committee. Brigid Murray (Billis) The late Brigid Murray (nee McGirl) of Billis, Cavan was an avid Cavan Gaels supporter. Originally from Ballyjamesduff, Brigid was vice-president of the town club and promoted their weekly bingo fundraiser in the town hall. It had become a ritual each time the Gaels won the SFC to bring the Oliver Plunkett Cup to Brigid on the Monday, as she was one of their most outstanding supporters. Brigid was instrumental in the formation of the Cavan Gaels Supporters Club in the 1970s and her son Paddy is present Cavan Gaels club secretary. Simon Sexton (Laragh) The parish was united in grief following the tragic death of Simon Sexton, Carricknashoke, in an accident in Stradone. The paramedic and father of six was involved in many aspects of parish life, including the variety group, football and school. He was an enthusiastic and hard-working man who will be greatly missed. Sean Woods (Billis) The passing of former An Post worker Sean Woods of Billis, Cavan, evoked widespread sadness. Sean was very active in the local community, having served Drumalee GFC as both a player and official. Lining out at full back, Sean won a junior league medal with the club in 1964, when Mountnugent were beaten in the final after a replay. He had previously played for Farnham Shamrocks. After hanging up his boots, Sean took an active part in the club’s committee and served in a variety of capacities. Members of Drumalee GFC provided a Guard of Honour at the removal of Sean’s remains to Cavan Cathedral. Michael Donohoe (Denn) The community of Denn and beyond was saddened and shocked by the unexpected death of Michael Donohoe, Glencurran, aged 68. After a spell working in London, Michael returned to take over the family farm, which he developed and managed to the very highest standards. A devoted father and husband, Michael was an avid supporter of Denn GFC., for whom both of his sons played. Terry Lynch (Shercock) The town and entire community was shocked by the death at Beaumont Hospital on May 6th, 2010 of Terry Lynch from Main Street. A respected member of the farming community, Terry had a deep interest in gaelic football and he formed the backbone of a great Shercock side along with his brothers, the Hoeys and the McDermotts. This was during the golden era of Cavan football and Terry played in many memorable matches for Shercock. Joseph O’Rourke (Ballinagh) Son of the late Frank and Annie O’Rourke of Drumlion, Joseph O’Rourke passed away at his London home. Formerly a farmer and Bord na Mona operative before emigrating, Joseph was a super footballer in his youth. Patrick ‘Buddy’ Kiernan (Kilnaleck) The local community was stunned in May 2010 by the death at the Mater Hospital following a short illness of Patrick ‘Buddy’ Kiernan, Aughakilmore, Kilnaleck. One of the biggest pig producers in the EU, US-born Patrick was founder of Kiernan (Family) Group and proprietor of Kiernan Milling. He was deeply involved in local and national politics and was also closely associated with Ballymachugh GFC down through the years, holding a number of positions including honorary vice-chairman. Buddy played centre back for Sean O’Heslins (then called Ballinamore) in Leitrim during the 1950s. He also played for Mullahoran and was a huge supporter of both club and county. All his family were involved in either football or camogie. Guards of Honour were provided by Ballymachugh GFC and members of Fine Gael. Eddie O’Reilly (Ballyhaise) The late Eddie O’Reilly of Castletara House was a keen sportsman in his youth, involved in both gaelic football and hunting. Tommy Cullen (Virginia) The late Tommy Cullen of Enagh West, Virginia, passed away on April 21st, 2010, aged 88. A farmer all his life, Tommy had a tremendous passion for the GAA, serving as honorary president of Ramor United for years. Raphael McKenna (Belturbet) Raphael McKenna, Clones, and formerly of Main Street, Belturbet was considered a very fine footballer while lining out for the Rory O’Moores club. The people of Cavan and Monaghan were greatly saddened to hear of his death on March 16th, 2010. Originally from Belturbet, he moved to Clones after taking up employment with Monaghan County Council. He had a great interest in sport, particularly gaelic football, lining out for Threemilehouse, Monaghan Harps, Emyvale and Belturbet. Raphael was a key player in 1956 as Threemilehouse won the intermediate double in Monaghan and actually won county medals in both Cavan and Monaghan that year. JJ McEvoy (Shercock) Deep sadness followed the death of Main Street resident JJ McEvoy on Tuesday May 4th, 2010. JJ, who served the local community as pharmacist, held the position of treasurer of Shercock GFC for 21 years and his son John remains on in that position at the time of writing. A Guard of Honour was provided by members of Shercock GFC, Sillan Golf Society and Shercock Credit Union. Francie McKiernan (Ballintemple) There was great sadness following the death of Francie McKiernan, Leam, who spent most of his 72 years in the US but returned home at least once a year. Francie maintained a deep interest in gaelic games and won a juvenile medal with Wateraughey. He followed Lacken Celtic all his life and the club contributed to a Guard of Honour at Francie’s removal from his place of residence to St Michael’s, Portahee. JJ Gorman (Kingscourt) Widespread regret was caused by the passing on Saturday February 20th, 2010 of JJ Gorman of Mount St Joseph, Kingscourt. JJ played football for Knockbride and Bailieborough Shamrocks in the 1950s. Donal Kelly (Bailieborough) Cavan County Board expressed its deepest sympathy to the family of former Bailieborough and Cavan star Donal Kelly on his passing. Donal, formerly of Anne Street, died on April 24th, 2010. Aged 75, he had been well known in the drapery trade and also in sport in the Bailieborough area. Donal was a founder member of the Erin Go Bragh club in Birmingham, playing for them for a number of years and also lining out for Warwickshire. He had made his debut for the Shamrocks senior team in 1949, at the age of 14, starring regularly at centre back for the local club. He made his Cavan debut at wing back in 1951, lining out for the county minor team. In 1952, Donal starred on the Cavan minor team beaten by Galway in the All-Ireland final. He played for the Cavan seniors in 1954 and ’55. At club level, he won county SFC medals in 1952 and ’57, as well as a senior league (winning the senior double in ’52). With Cavan, he collected two Ulster senior medals, one Ulster minor and two Dr McKenna Cups as well as an All-Ireland Colleges medal. After he had retired, Donal coached many juvenile teams in Bailieborough and he managed the Cavan minors in 1978/79. He was also a delegate to Cavan Minor Board and coached U16 and minor teams in Shercock. At Donal’s funeral, a Guard of Honour was provided by players and officials of Bailieborough Shamrocks, Shercock GFC, Cavan County Board and some of Donal’s former county colleagues. Pat Cahill (Denn) The late Pat ‘Patsy’ Cahill passed away in New Jersey on March 11th, 2010. Born in Kilnacreeas, he played football with Crosskeys in his youth and was on the panel when Denn won the 1952 Cavan minor football championship. He was later involved in the Cavan Associations in Dublin and in New York. Over the years, he always followed the fortunes of the Cavan football team via the local newspaper, which he had delivered across the Atlantic every week. Patrick Lynch (Ballyjamesduff/New York) From Lackenduff, Patrick Lynch emigrated to New York in 1948. A founding member of the Irish Travel Agent’s Association, he was a great GAA supporter who travelled home for most All-Ireland finals. He was a former president of the Cavan Association in New York. Stephan Bannon (Drumgoon) Deep sadness followed the sudden death of Stephan Bannon of Maudabawn. A mechanic by trade and a very popular young man in the local area, Stephan was a talented footballer and members of Drumgoon GAA club formed a large Guard of Honour at his removal. Eamonn Matthews (Virginia) A member of a very respected Virginia business family, Eamonn Matthews of Main Street passed away on Sunday March 28th, 2010, aged 74. Eamonn captained the Virginia Blues team during their golden period, helping them to two SFCs, a JFC and a senior league between 1958 and ’62. He also enjoyed a stint on the Cavan team. Annette Connolly (Cavan) Formerly of Dalveen, Lavagh, Ballymachugh, Annette Connolly of Greenville House, Drumelis, Farnham Road passed away on February 9th, 2010. Annette always remained up to date with sporting events, especially when the footballers of Ballymachugh or the Kilkenny hurlers were involved. Kevin Halpin (Denn) The late Kevin Halpin from Oldcastle was a native of Denn, Ballyjamesduff. He was a lifelong member of Oldcastle GFC and was a regular on the panel between 1938 and 1948. Dominick McCaul (Cootehill) The late multi-instrumentalist Dominick McCaul of Dromore West, Cootehill, was best known as a member of popular local band, ‘The VIPs’, with whom he played for 40 years. At the funeral, Guards of Honour were provided by members of Cootehill Celtic GAA, Cootehill Senior Citizens Association and Cootehill Mental Health Association. James McGuire (Cavan town/Trim) Originally from Cavan town, James ‘Alo’ McGuire of Avondale, Kildalkey Road, Trim, County Meath passed away at the age of 81. He loved jazz music, cars and the GAA – especially his native Cavan, whom he supported enthusiastically all his life. James was a close friend of Tony Tighe and Mick Higgins from Cavan’s 1947 All-Ireland winning team and it was said that he might well have figured at The Polo Grounds himself were it not for his great interest in jazz music. Frank Donohoe (Ballintemple) The local community was greatly saddened as news spread of the passing of Frank Donohoe, Ballytrust, at the age of 72. One of the parish’s great characters, Frank was extensively involved with Mullahoran GFC, serving as a committee member and selector for many years and continuing to support the club enthusiastically thereafter. He played junior football with Drumkilly in his youth and also followed the fortunes of Crosserlough, for whom his brother Hugh played. Members of Mullahoran GFC contributed to the Guard of Honour alongside local hunt clubs. Sean Hegarty (Scotstown) A founder member of Scotstown GFC, the late Sean Hegarty was father of Fintan from Ardamagh, Ballyhaise. Philip Morgan (Virginia) Widespread regret was caused by the death of Philip Morgan, Rahardrum, aged 57. A popular and active member of the local community, he was involved in many club activities with Ramor United GFC. The club provided a Guard of Honour along with members of Fianna Fail and Virginia College. Donal White (Mullahoran) Hundreds of mourners paid their final respects to well-known handball star Donal White, Lough Gowna, in early August 2010. A prominent member of the community, Donal passed away on August 1st at the age of 62. Donal grew up close to the handball alley and his love of the game first came to light when he lived in Killydoon, as he collected up to 40 Ulster medals by the age of 18. A superb left hand player and a renowned member of Mullahoran Handball Club, he became Cavan and Ulster champion at juvenile, minor and U21 grades in singles and doubles. Donal also acted as a coach to other young handballers in the region, most notably Sean Pearson, another provincial champion. Donal was also a decent footballer and won county MFC medals with Mullahoran. Kathleen Dowd (Crosserlough) The passing of Mrs Kathleen Dowd emitted deep sadness in the Crosserlough area. A founder member of Crosserlough ICA, she was a sister of club and County Board GAA stalwart Tom Dowd. The family are renowned also for their work in promoting ladies football. James Comiskey (Kilnaleck) South Cavan was shocked to learn of the sudden death of James ‘Jim’ Comiskey at his home in Clane, County Kildare on Sunday, August 30th, 2010. A keen GAA man all his life, he had attended the Kildare / Down All-Ireland SFC semi-final at Croke Park earlier that day. Born in New York, Jim was the son of Jim and Phyllis – members of highly-respected families in the Kilnaleck area. As a young man, he played in Kilnaleck and Aghaconey. He had just become coach of an underage team in Clane. Fr Paddy Sheridan (Killinkere) Fr Paddy Sheridan, who was a native of Beagh, Killinkere, passed away on Thursday, September 9th, 2010, aged 74. He had a lifelong association with the GAA. Paddy played at juvenile, minor and senior levels with Killinkere GFC, in the company of his brothers Edward, Mickey and John. He scored the winning goal direct from a 50 as Killinkere won the junior league in 1956, also featuring on the 1956 championship-winning team but missing the final as he wasn’t allowed out of the seminary. An excellent young footballer, he was never able to play as much as he would ideally have liked. Fr Paddy also played for the Leinster Colleges team. His intercounty career included captaining Cavan minors in 1954. Though his vocation saw him spend much of his life outside the county, Fr Paddy never forgot his Cavan roots. Seamus Gargan (Kingscourt) Sadness followed the passing in Essex, England on September 14th, 2010 of Seamus ‘Seamie’ Gargan, formerly of Ervey, Kingscourt. Seamie played football with Kingscourt Stars and also lined out for the local club in Essex. He remained an ardent Kingscourt and Cavan supporter throughout his life. John Brady (Virginia) Formerly of Lattoon, Ballyjamesduff, the late John Brady died in New York on September 15th, 2010. A decent footballer in his youth, he played for Killinkere at minor level as there was no minor team in the local parish at the time. He also played for Lattoon Shamrocks before emigrating and remained an avid Ramor United supporter all his life. Philip O’Reilly (Killeshandra) The late Philip ‘Phil’ O’Reilly of Cordalea was a member of one of the great Cornafean football families. Phil won a junior championship medal with Croghan (as Killeshandra was then known) in 1939 and progressed onto the Cornafean senior team, featuring prominently throughout the ‘40s. He won a SFC medal with the Reds in 1943 and – alongside his brothers John, Pierce and Kevin - formed the entire goalkeeper/full back line in the 1949 senior final against Mullahoran. Sean Dolan (Killeshandra/Monaghan) A well-known pharmacist in Monaghan, Killeshandra native Sean Dolan was proud of his Cavan roots and took great joy from the achievements of the teams of the 1990s. He has close friendships with many of the players from that era.