Louth Obituaries 2003

Eugene Martin (Rathory)
The death of Eugene Martin on December 20th 2002 caused widespread grief in Reaghstown and the surrounding areas. An Honorary President of Westerns GFC at the time of his death, Eugene went through life with a true relish for gaelic games. In his early days, Eugene played for the O’Mahonys but he later became a massive supporter of Westerns before being elevated to the esteemed position of Honorary President. Eugene’s immediate family went on to forge strong links with the club and he was an extremely proud man in 1977 when the Reaghstown outfit captured the Division Two championship. His son Peter was voted Man of the Match in the final. Westerns provided a Guard of Honour at Eugene’s removal.

John Mostyn (Dundalk)
John was a driving force behind the development of sport in the Faughart parish. A member of the Auxillary Defence Forces during The Emergency, John was interested in a wide range of sports in general and was described as a “progressive force” in promoting various sports in Faughart. John will be remembered as a keen Gael and had a special place in his heart for the national codes, serving on the Poc Fada committee and also the executive of the Naomh Monnine hurling club. His incredible enthusiasm for and love of Irish sport was an inspiration to the younger generations and the GAA in north Louth is all the stronger for his contributions.

Dermot Marmion (Knockbridge)
Dermot Marmion, who died suddenly on January 19th 2003, played football for Louth at senior level. The former Wee County footballer also lined out for both Roche Emmets and later St Brides at club level. Originally from Kilcurry, he won a senior football championship medal with the Emmets. Dermot had a keen interest in all sports and was renowned for his prowess on the pool table. He was a loyal supporter of Louth GAA and also followed the Monaghan ladies (he worked for McChesney Motors in Clontibret). He also supported Dundalk FC and was a keen fisher. St Brides GFC and Roche Emmets GFC provided Guards of Honour at his funeral.

Fr Paul Lennon (Omeath)
On February 8th Louth GAA lost one of its biggest supporters with the passing of Omeath-born priest Fr Paul Lennon, who was based in Dublin. Fr Paul was born in Omeath and lived in the area as a young man, developing a love for gaelic games that lasted a lifetime. He developed his interest in football whilst attending St Laurence’s and played for the school team as well as for North Louth. His interest in GAA continued and he went on to play for The Abbey in Newry, winning many honours. Even though he subsequently spent most of his life outside the Cooley area (and much of it outside the country), Fr Paul remained a staunch Louth supporter through thick and thin.

Fr Donal Sweeney (Armagh)
Fr Donal Sweeney from Middletown, who died on December 14th 2002, served in the parish of Upper Creegan for 20 years and took a special interest in the Shelagh area - notably Naomh Malachi GFC. Fr Donal played for both the Malachis and Culloville in his native Orchard County. He is a past president of the Louth club and was a selector on the landmark 1979 junior championship winning team. In March 2003, the Malachis hosted a special night to mark Fr Donal’s contribution to the club. Memebers of the ‘79 team were in attendance as well as various other guests from club executives and County Boards past and present.

Tommy Sloane (Haggardstown)
Thomas (Tommy) Slaone of Dublin Road, Haggardstown played a very active part in daily life in the area and was a keen Geraldines clubman. Tommy died in February, aged 84. He was particularly prominant at administrative level within his beloved club and was an honorary president of Geraldines, as well as a past vice-chairman. A highly-skilled carpenter and tradesman, Thomas was greatly respected for the manner in which he always made himself available to help others. His contribution to Geraldines GFC and Louth GAA in general will never be forgotten.

Maureen Rooney (Ardee)
The entire town of Ardee fell into mourning following the sudden death of Mrs Maureen Rooney in March 2003. Maureen was a tremendous worker for the St Mary’s club, for whom her six sons all played. She was always to the forefront at Pairc Mhuire, devoting a phenomenal amount of time to helping the club out, be it through fundraising, making tea and sandwiches, or just good old-fashioned vocal encouragement. With all her sons featuring prominantly on the Marys team over the years, Maureen’s home in Sliabh Breagh was an open house to players and officers alike. Ken, Michael and Alan Rooney (all of whom wore the red jersey of Louth) were all on the starting xv when the Ardee club last scooped the Joe Ward Cup in 1995, while Gerry was a sub. Maureen and her family are also widely regarded for their success in the world of greyhound racing. Maureen Rooney will be remembered as a wonderful mother and friend as well as a tremendous servant to both St Marys GFC and Louth County Board.

Keith Rogers (Hackballscross)
Twenty-four-year-old Keith Rogers lost his life in Culloville, County Armagh, on the morning of Wednesday March 12th 2003. Keith was a member of the Naomh Malachi football club, with whom he played on a regular basis. Keith’s sudden passing brought huge sadness to the Shelagh community and shocked his many football friends in the Naomh Malachi club. Keith first played football with the local primary school team before progressing onto the Malachis’ junior and intermediate sides. In his final appearance in the red and white jersey - the 2002 Dermot Clarke Cup final - he kicked three long-range points from play, helping his club to a great win. Keith’s mother Teresa has managed the Naomh Malachi ladies team for the past three years. A lone piper led the funeral cortege down country lanes a short distance from the deceased’s home and the coffin was draped in the tricolour and a Naomh Malachi jersey. Members of the club formed a guard of honour at Keith’s funeral.

Tommy Perkins (Dundalk)
Tommy Perkins from Marian Park was a founder-member of the Naomh Moninne hurling club. He was also a lifelong member of the local branch of the Irish Red Cross Society. Tommy was a dynamic and devoted driving force behind a variety of local sporting, music and community activities ... one of these being the ancient game of hurling. He will be remembered as an extremely sincere, good natured and hard-working individual. In Naomh Moninne HC, he has left a lasting legacy behind him on Mother Earth.

Tony Lee (Dundalk)
The late Tony Lee from St Nicholas Avenue, who died in April 2003, was heavily involved with Clan Na Gael GFC. Tony played at juvenile level for the Clans and was a dedicated club worker, even serving on the committee for a number of years.
An ardent gael, he hailed originally from Fr Murray Park and lived in St Ronan’s Terrace before marrying Lillian (nee Dixon). The couple raised five children. Tony was laid to rest in St Patrick’s Cemetary, Dowdallshill on Wednesday April 9th 2003.

Jimmy Myers (Dundalk)
Jimmy Myers from Castle Street in Dundalk was a dedicated sportsman who excelled in gaelic football among other sports.
In his youth, Jimmy lined out for both Roche Emmets and Kilkerley Emmets. A driving force behind a number of local sporting and community activities, he later served Dundealgan Athletic & Boys Club as chairman for a number of years. Jimmy will be remembered as a kind and gentle man, with a great love for his family.

Edward Reay (Drogheda)
Edward ‘Nedser’ Reay from Sunday’s Gate in Drogheda was centre half back on the Louth minor team that defeated Mayo by 5-5 to 2-7 in the 1940 All-Ireland MFC final. He will be remembered affectionately as not only a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather but also as a great sportsman and gael. A former Magdalenes player and O’Raghallaighs underage coach, Nedser won a number of medals and honours in addition to the treasured 1940 Celtic Cross.
He loved all outdoor pursuits, including dog racing, horse racing and coursing. Among the gifts offered at his requiem mass was Nedser’s plaque of football medals.

Maureen McDonnell (Louth village)
The late Maureen McDonnell (nee Lennon) was a keen supporter of her beloved St Mochtas GFC and also worked tirelessly for the club. From Feran Drive in Louth village, Maureen boasted an infectious enthusiasm for the Mochtas, which was wholly apparent in the painstaking manner in which she washed the team jerseys after each game. Her selfless behind-the-scenes endeavours were invaluable to the club and Maureen will be sadly missed by everyone in Louth village and beyond.

Patsy Murphy (Kilkerley)
Patsy - of Ard Easmuinn in Dundalk - was educated in Kilkerley National School and played for Kilkerley Emmets GFC in his youth. A dedicated GAA fan, he retained a deep interest in the club all his life. A Rate Collector for Louth County Council for 36 years until his retirement, Patsy was also a member of the Athletics club in Kilkerley and the Friary Badminton Club.

Margaret Rose Flynn (Carlingford)
Margaret Rose Flynn - affectionately known as Maggie - lived in the Cooley area for 60 years and was an ardent supporter of St Patricks GFC during this time. It was with great joy that she watched the Pats develop into one of the strongest clubs in the Wee County in recent years.

Michael McKenna (Dundalk)
Such was the love that Michael McKenna from Hyde Park had for gaelic football that he never confined his support to just one club, instead cheering for a number of local sides, one of whom was the Sean O’Mahonys. A true GAA enthusiast, Michael could be spotted wearing his cap at matches throughout the county in the company of his grandsons and best friend Albert Murphy.

Ronan Byrne (Drogheda)
Drogheda and the surrounding community was plunged into deep mourning by the tragic death of popular 22-year-old Newtown Blues footballer Ronan Byrne in early May. The former Oliver Plunketts clubman - known affectionately as ‘Ro’ - was extremely well-liked in the town and was well-known for his sporting endeavours, particularly in gaelic and soccer. A stand-out player with the Plunketts (winning a Grogan Cup medal in 1998), Ronan transferred to the Blues (for whom his father Chris also played) at the start of last season. The former county minor and U21 was highly respected on every level and was widely tipped for a future call-up into the Wee County senior panel. The weekend before his untimely death, he starred on the 40 in his club’s Cardinal O’Donnell Cup defeat of St Mary’s. A huge crowd packed into the church of St Mary’s to pay their last respects at Ronan’s requiem mass. Both Ronan’s clubs - Oliver Plunketts and Newtown Blues - provided Guards of Honour.
Offertory gifts included a football signed by the former Louth underage star’s family and friends. At the funeral, mourners were told that four people had been given the gift of life by the family’s brave decision to donate Ronan’s organs.

Christopher Quigley (Drogheda)
The town of Drogheda lost a true gentleman and a great gael with the passing of Christopher ‘Christy’ Quigley of Oulster Lane.
Christy played football for the now-defunct St Magdalene’s club - and wrote about the game many moons ago as well.
He was a sports correspondent to the Drogheda Independent and a sports reporter with the Drogheda Argus in the 1940s.

John Martin (Carlingford)
Twenty-three-year-old John Martin captained Na Piarsaigh at U14 level and also went on to play for Young Irelands. A highly-skilled carpenter, John ran his own business and was renowned for his outgoing personality and good humour. Martin was a true breath of fresh air to the many friends and family members who knew and loved him. He will be sadly missed.

Frank Mulholland (Dunleer)
Frank Mulholland, who died suddenly at the rear of his Mountain View, Dunleer home on Tuesday May 27th 2003, was a keen GAA follower. Frank (67) hailed originally from the parish of Monasterboice and lined out for Naomh Mairtin in his younger days and remained a firm supporter of both club and county until his untimely death. Indeed, one of Frank’s last requests was when he asked his son Brian to purchase two tickets for the Louth/Dublin Leinster SFC quarter-final clash in Croke Park. One of the offertory gifts at Frank’s requiem mass was a framed certificate for Naomh Mairtin GFC acknowledging the fact that he had played for and supported the club over the years.

Margaret Toal (Dundalk)
Mrs Margaret Toal from Oliver Plunkett Park in Dundalk was a true lover of gaelic football. Described as a women who held strong Republican convictions, Mary was a massive supporter of the national game. An ardent GAA fan all her life, she was a tremendous supporter of Clan Na Gael as well as all Louth’s county teams. Mary loved attending matches and invariable left with a big smile regargless of whether the team she was cheering for happened to win on the day. She was a member of the Clan Na Gael ladies committee for over 40 years and also served on the De La Salle School’s Ladies Committee.
Mary was also a Fianna Fail party member and a former President of the local Philip Daly Cumann.

Jim Drumgoole (Reaghstown)
The passing of 59-year-old Jim Drumgoole from Nicholstown, Reaghstown at his home on June 4th was greeted with widespread sadness. Jim was known far and wide as a huge GAA fan and travelled all over the county/country to support his two favourite gaelic football teams - Westerns and Louth. The Reaghstown man was also a regular in Croke Park on All-Ireland final day. But it was the local team that was closest to his heart and Jim had a deep love of the Westerns. He drew great pride from his work for the club, looking after the pitch and selflessly ensuring the general upkeep of the place.

John Taaffe (Ardee)
John Taaffe from Millockstown, Ardee was 71 when he died on Sunday June 8th 2003. A keen sports enthusiast all his life, John played gaelic football with his beloved Hunterstown Rovers from a very early age. A former full back with the Rovers, John will be remembered for the impressive and fluent fashion in which he used to gracefully rise above allcomers to catch the ball and effortlessly clear his lines. The ‘fifties was a golden era for Louth football but John Taaffe invariably came out on top against all the best full forwards in the Wee County. John was a member of the Hunterstown Rovers team that won the Second Division in 1954 and was again a key player four years later when the county JFC was garnered. During his distinguished career, he won many other medals and honours in the colours of Hunterstown Rovers.

Brian O’Broin (Rathcairn)
The entire Louth and Meath communities were shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden death of 37-year-old Brian O’Broin on Friday June 13th 2003. Brian is remembered as a musician, artist and teacher who was dedicated to the promotion of Irish language and culture, and belonged to a great family with a very deep love for Irish language and music, culture and tradition.
On the GAA front, Brian will be remembered a a magnificent hurler. He played for Wolfe Tones at all levels and also had the distinction of representing Louth at U14, U16, minor and senior grades. He won U14, Feile Na nGael, U16, minor and senior championships with the Tones and also played gaelic football, winning an U14 championship with St Nicholas.
Brian found his natural home in Rathcairn in the Meath Gaeltacht, where he taught Irish and art classes to children. A fluent Irish speaker, like his mother Maura, he regularly appeared on both TG4 and Raidio na Gaeltachta where he had many friends and admirers. The deceased had a passion for music and travelled to the USA (along with brother Micheal) as a member of the Drogheda Brass Band in 1977 and ‘78. He learned to play Irish music with Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann and was also associated with the mandolin, banjo and bodhran. He formed his own traditional Irish band ‘Scadan Rua’ and compiled, self-produced and released a CD of Irish dance music ‘Ceol don Cheili in November 2002.
Brian’s father Micheal, who hails from Kilkenny, is well known in Louth GAA circles as a County Board gaelic officer and tireless hurling development officer. Busloads of summer students came from Colaiste na bhFiann in Rathcairn and formed a Guard of Honour at Brian’s removal, as did members of Wolfe Tones hurling club. A Garda escort was also provided (as Brian was a former member of the force).
Offertory gifts included his hurling helmet, hurley and sliothar, some art and his CD. These were presented by cousins Patricia Byrne, Deirdre Allen, Liam Byrne, Michael Finn, Angela Power and former Kilkenny and current Tipperary hurler Denis Byrne.

Patrick Carney (Stabannon)
The parish of Kilsaran and surrounding areas was shocked and saddened by the death of Patrick Carney (55) from Poolbrook on June 7th 2003. Patrick was a supporter of Stabannon Parnells and played for the local club on many occasions.

Kevin McCann (Drogheda)
Drogheda’s sporting community fell into deep shock following the sudden death of Kevin McCann on Sunday July 20th.
Kevin was a prominent figure in the local soccer and GAA scene, his association with sport in the area dating back to the 1960s. He played on the wing for Drogheda United and also represented a number of GAA clubs and lined out as a corner forward for Louth.
A former Drogheda United Youths manager, he also looked after a number of Drogheda Boys club teams for many years and was manager of the Drogheda United U17s at the time of his sudden death. Kevin was involved in sport all his life and loved football, both soccer and gaelic. He started his GAA career as an eight-year-old with O’Raghallaighs and went on to play senior football with the club, winning a county SFC. He created many scoring records with the Green & Whites and many of those still stand today. Kevin also played gaelic football for the St Dominics club.

Bernard Markey (Ardee)
Bernard Markey served the public as a TD, Senator, county councillor and Ardee town commissioner. He was a member of many many committees and organisations in Ardee and Louth, and was deeply involved with his local Ardee St Marys GAA club. The Markey name has been synonymous with Louth GAA since the foundation of the Association in 1884. Bernard was an emerging star with Ardee’s minors when a shoulder injury prematurely put paid to his promising career. However, he did win a Louth minor championship with Ardee and he went on to serve ST Marys as Secretary and also as a County Board delegate. He was honorary president of the club at the time of his death. A tireless worker for the Ardee community all his life, Bernard had retired from public life in 1999 but remained active in promoting and raising the profile of the Deeside area right up to the time of his sudden death in late July 2003. Members of Fine Gael and St Marys GFC formed a Guard of Honour at his funeral and Bernard’s coffin was draped in the blue and white flag of his beloved St Marys.

Noel Markey (Grangebellew)
A truck driver for Kieran Campbell for over 30 years, Noel Markey was in his 62nd year when he died suddenly on Friday July 25th 2003. Two of Noel’s great passions were horse racing and gaelic football and he loved nothing better than a good debate about the local football scene.

John Matthews (Ardee)
The late John Matthews from Ardee’s Dundalk Road had a keen interest in farming and sport. He supported Louth’s football teams and attended games all over the county.

Mick Crawley (Dundalk)
Mick Crawley was well-known and extremely popular in sporting circles in Dundalk, Louth and beyond. He was a member of his local Sean O’Mahonys club and an ardent supporter of Louth. Mick was also a regular visitor to Croke Park and made many friends among GAA supporters far and wide. Mick’s family is deeply involved in the world of sport and his son David famously captained Dundalk FC to FAI Cup glory last year. David now plays for Shelbourne. Sean O’Mahonys GFC provided a Guard of Honour at his funeral.

Patrick Murphy (Dundalk)
Patrick Murphy, who passed away on Friday August 8th, was a member of the Clan Na Gael club. A Dublin native, he was based in England as a bus driver for London Transport for 40 years and was chairman of the Joan of Arc Social Club in Highbury. He became and avid Arsenal supporter and joined the Clan Na Gael club upon retiring to Dundalk.

Larry Morgan (Dundalk)
Former Louth minor Larry Morgan from La Salle Terrace was a prolific footballer in his youth. Originally from Camp Street, he played for the ‘Eyes of the Sea’ team in his early days and went on to represent the Wee County at U18 level. Even though he also enjoyed soccer, horse racing and greyhounds, his first love was gaelic games. Larry also had a great interest in politics and was a member of the local Philip Daly Cumann as well as a staunch Fianna Fail supporter.

Joe Rossiter (Dundalk)
Joe Rossiter from Channonrockwas an avid GAA supporter who played both football and hurling in his early years. Originally from Enniscorthy, he remained a keen supporter of the Wexford footballers and hurlers and also acquired a soft spot for the Wee County. Other outdoor pursuits Joe enjoyed included fishing and hunting.

Patrick Mallon (Jenkinstown)
Patrick was born in Meigh, County Armagh and was an exceptional gaelic footballer. He played for the Killeavy club and won and Ulster minor championship medal with Armagh in 1953, going on to represent the Orchard County at senior level in the late ‘fifties and early ‘sixties. Since moving to Jenkinstown, Patrick supported the St Patricks club, for whom his son Padraig plays.

Michael Shevlin (Dunleer)
Michael Shevlin from Dundalk Road, Dunleer died on September 5th 2003, aged 72. He was well-known all over mid-Louth and was a postman in recent years, operating out of Dunleer Post Office. Michael was a keen supporter of Lannleire, serving on the club committee for some time. At his removal, a Guard of Honour was formed by Dunleer postmen, members of Fine Gael and representatives of Lannleire GFC.

Eileen Levins (Funshog, Collon)
Eileen Levins took a tremendous interest in her local Hunterstown Rovers, with whom her immediate family are all deeply associated. She was always on hand to assist the club in any way possible. A Guard of Honour was provided by members of Hunterstown Rovers GFC at the funeral.

Dr. Anthony Philip Ryan (Coventry)
Dr. Anthony Philip Ryan was born in Carlingford and moved to Coventry in the 1960s. He immediately got involved in Irish community activities, including the promotion of gaelic football. At the time of his death, he was long-serving president of Four Masters Gaelic Football Club in Coventry, a position he’d held since 1972. Doctor Ryan was wholly committed to promoting the Irish national game and, when they were short a player, often lined out for Four Masters well into his 50s! ‘The Doctor’ was also a driving force behind the development of the GAA in Solihull and is a former president and vice-president of the Warwickshire County Board.

James Hearty (Dundalk)
James “Jess” Hearty from Willow Grove, Dundalk passed away on Thursday September 11th 2003, aged 66. In his younger days, James played for Clan Na Gael, winning a Louth minor championship medal.

Owen Brannigan (Annagassan)
Owen was a member of a well-known and highly-respected Dundalk family and was a keen supporter of Irish art, culture and traditional Irish music. A deeply religious family man, he was originally from Culhane Street and spent much of his working life in Manchester. Owen’s brother Peter is former chairman of Louth County Board.

John Kelly (Drogheda)
John Kelly from 7 Mount Auburn Close, Bryanstown was born on June 16th 1927 and was a talented footballer with Oliver Plunketts as a young man. Throughout his life, he retained a deep interest in gaelic football, soccer and rugby.

This obituary section covers a period from the publication of ‘Wee County 2002’ until early October 2003. Every effort has been made to pay tribute to all Louth gaels who passed away during this time. If anybody has been inadvertently overlooked, we apologise unconditionally. We offer sincere condolences to the families and friends of all our departed.