Louth Obituaries 2004

James O’Neill (Drogheda)
James O’Neill, from St Bridget’s Terrace, Oulster Lane, Drogheda, passed away on July 24th 2003, aged 83. He had a keen interest in both gaelic football and soccer, and used to cycle to matches ... locally and in Dublin.

Sean Boyle (Ardee)
One of the Wee County’s greatest ever footballers, Sean Boyle was right half back on the Louth Team of the Millennium.
Originally from Cooley, he brought great distinction to Cooley, Ardee and Louth over the course of an illustrious gaelic football career. A legend in every sense of the word, Sean was deeply loved and respected in the mid Louth area, where he established himself as a successful businessman.
The mighty No.5 - who wore the jerseys of Cooley Kickhams, St Marys, Louth and Leinster with such tremendous distinction - passed away in October 2003.
Sean starred on the Louth side unluckily beaten by Mayo (2-5 to 1-6) in the 1950 All-Ireland final and his excellent intercounty career had drawn to a close by the time Sam was captured seven years later. Still, he enjoyed a magnificent career...
A native of Cooley, Sean won a SFC (1939) and two Cardinal O’Donnell Cups with the Kickhams, before transferring to Ardee St Marys in 1942. The Deesiders beat Cooley in the senior semi-final that year and won the final, only to be stripped of their crown following an objection from Gaels.
Three years later, St Marys captured the county SFC and Sean Boyle subsequently captained the Ardee club to two more senior victories - in 1948 and ‘51 - bringing his own senior medal haul to four. He also won five O’Donnell Cups with the Marys during that golden era.
Sean collected Leinster SFC souvenirs with the Wee County in 1943, ‘48 and ‘50 and captained the only Louth side to contest the national football league final - against Mayo in 1948/49. He also won a Railway Cup medal with his province in 1944.
Sean Boyle was an exceptional half back, who rubbed shoulders with the very best of his time and usually came out on top. A powerful and forceful footballer, he boasted an extraordinary drive of the dead ball. He was invariably competitive but always fair.
After hanging up his boots, he served both the Marys and Louth as a selector. Sean entered the St Marys Hall of Fame in 1995 - poignantly the year of the Marys’ last SFC triumph.
The passing of this truly great gael heralds the end of an era ... Louth GAA will never know another Sean Boyle.

Peter McCormick (Haggardstown)
Peter McCormick from Dublin Road, Haggardstown died on October 21st 2003. He was accountant to Quinn Hotels (including the Fairways and Ballymascanlon) for the past 29 years. Peter was highly active in the local parish and had a keen interest both in gaelic football and hurling, which he played in his youth.

Ian Corrigan (Carlingford)
Ian Corrigan was only 24 when he passed away following a tragic accident in October 2003. He will be remembered as a superb sportsman, who excelled in all sports, particularly soccer and gaelic football. He lined out for Cooley Kickhams at underage and junior level and played in a junior B match only a couple of weeks before his untimely death. Ian will be remembered as an outstanding soccer player with Carlingford Celtic and Rathcor.

Matthew ‘Matt’ Malone (Carlingford)
Matthew Malone from Willville, Carlingford died peacefully at his home in October 2003. He was a popular man who loved company, a bit of banter and had a good sense of humour. Cooley Kickhams GFC provided a Guard of Honour at his funeral.

Eugene Nulty (Tallanstown)
The death of Eugene Nulty at his residence in Castle View on Thursday Novermber 27th 2003 caused widespread sadness in the parishes of Tallanstown and Ardee. Eugene was a native of Ardee and was a driving force behind Tallanstown GFC for years. He served the club as chairman for a number of years and was a member of Glyde’s committee for over 30 years, up until the time of his death. He trained and coached many fine Glyde players. Eugene played in goals for the club himself, before moving on to the key area of player development upon his retirement. In his younger years he was also an exceptional soccer player with Ardee Celtic in the Dundalk Summer League. At Eugene’s funeral, his coffin was draped in the colours of his beloved Glyde Rangers and club members provided a Guard of Honour.

Thomas Carolan (Drogheda)
Louth GAA lost an enthusiastic supporter with the passing of Thomas (Tommy) Carolan from Greenbatter, Drogheda in late 2003. As well as horse racing, Tommy was also a great lover of gaelic games. He was particularly enthusiastic about the Newtown Blues club.

John Slater (Castlebellingham)
The entire community of Castlebellingham fell into profound shock with news of the death of John Slater (64), formerly of Main Street, on November 26th 2003. A member of a popular and highly-respected family, John was a terrific sportsman in his youth and was a particularly exceptional footballer. After coming up through the school ranks, John wore the O’Connells goalkeeper’s jersey with great distinction, consistently putting in superb performances over his career. John played in three major finals with O’Connells but finished up on the losing side in all three - the 1959 Ranafast Cup decider against Dreadnots, the 1963 junior final against O’Raghallaighs and the 1968 old Division Two final against Stabannon. Poignantly, John passed away around about the same time as his beloved O’Connells went senior for the very first time.

Patrick Lennon (Dundalk)
Patrick (Patsy) Lennon from Thomastown, Carrick Road passed away on November 20th 2003 following a brief illness. An accomplished athlete in his youth, Patsy developed a keen interest in gaelic games and was a particularly enthusiastic follower of the nearby Kilkerley Emmets club. Members of Kilkerley teams of the ‘eighties provided a Guard of Honour at his funeral.

‘Petie’ McKevitt (Cooley)
Peter ‘Petie’ McKevitt from Crossalaney was an extraordinarily talented footballer for both Cooley Kickhams and Louth. A nifty winger and effective fielder of the ball, the young Petie starred on Cooley’s famous SFC winning side of 1939 ... he passed away in London on Christmas Eve 2003. While many generations and branches of the McKevitt clan have donned the green and gold jersey, Petie will be remembered as one of the greatest of them all. In ‘39, he also represented the Wee County at both minor and senior levels. He went on to play for Cooley in the senior county finals of 1941, ‘43 and ‘44, when the peninsula side lost to Young Irelands twice and St Brides (‘43). He was involved with Louth up until 1946 and was a member of the county panel that captured the Leinster SFC in 1943, bridging a 31 year gap. Petie continued to play football for some time cross-channel after moving to England in the mid-forties.

Paddy Butterly (Stabannon)
Paddy Butterly, who died on Christmas Day 2003, was a member of the great Stabannon Parnells side of the ‘fifties and also represented Louth in a variety of positions during that decade, winning a Leinster SFC medal in 1957. Though Paddy had yet to make his first-team debut when Stabannon claimed their first ever SFC in 1949, he was a key figure on the side that regained the senior county crown five years later. That was 1954 and Paddy was left half back as keen rivals St Marys were famously beaten in the SFC decider. Parnells made it three final appearances in a row but the Marys came out on top in ‘55 and ‘56. It was a Golden Era for Wee County football, though most of Stabannon’s great players from that time were past their best when Louth scooped All-Ireland glory in 1957. However, Paddy Butterly was on the panel that won the ‘57 Leinster championship, only to lose out unluckily when the squad was trimmed for the All-Ireland series. Three of Paddy’s sons - Pat, Mark and Nicholas - have won SFC medals with Stabannon - and the Butterly name is synonymous with gaelic games in Louth and Stabannon. Louth’s GAA fraternity was widely represented at the funeral and removal. Fittingly, Paddy’s coffin was draped in the green and gold of Stabannon Parnells GFC.

Pat McCarry (Dundalk)
Pat McCarry was one of Dundalk’s leading industrialists and his death caused a wave of sorrow throughout the Wee County and beyond. He was managing director of Littelfuse Ireland. Pat was an avid follower of Irish sport – soccer, rugby and GAA. Originally from Belfast, Pat was proud of his roots and took great joy in watching northern counties lift Sam in 2002 and 2003. He was an infectious character and will be greatly missed.

Jim Mooney (Dundalk)
The town of Dundalk was saddened by the passing of Jim Mooney from Chapel Street on January 17th 2004. As a barman, Jim became popular through his work in many establishments around the town and he was also a keen snooker player and GAA follower. Jim was a member of Dundalk Gaels GFC for many years.

James “Jimmy” Mullen (Dundalk)
James Mullen from Barrack Street had a great love of gaelic football as well as an extensive knowledge of all things related to Louth GAA post-1940. His enthusiastic support of the Wee County as well as his local club Sean O’Mahonys will be missed.

Ned Tuite (Clogherhead)
The entire Clogherhead area was plunged into sadness by the sudden, untimely death of Ned Tuite from Reynoldstown House. Ned had a great love of gaelic football and played the game in his youth. He was secretary of the local school team and played the game for many years. He attended matches, watched football on TV, and had a tremendous interest in the local Dreadnots club.

John Morgan (Blackrock)
John Morgan from Rock Road, Blackrock and formerly Dromiskin passed away on Thursday February 19th 2004. John was a very good footballer and won a championship medal with the Dromiskin Unknowns outfit in 1955, beating Newtown Blues in the final. The surviving members from that team formed a Guard of Honour at his funeral.

Brian Connolly (Dundalk)
Brian Connolly, from Marian Park, dedicated a great deal of his life to the development and progression of local sport. He was an ardent GAA supporter and hurled in his youth. Brian had an infectious enthusiasm for gaelic games and was a founder member of Cumann Peil na nOg.

Jack Adamson (Carlingford)
The eldest of a family of nine, Jack passed away in February 2004, aged 88. He was a prolific sportsman in his younger days, and played both gaelic football and soccer with distinction.

Paddy Sheelan (Cooley)
The late Paddy Sheelan from Rathcor gave a lifetime of noble service to Cooley Kickhams GFC. As a child, he closely monitored the fortunes of the great Cooley teams of the 1930s and early ‘40s. His own career began in the mid-40s and he featured on the Kickhams team that beat Glyde Rangers to win the first-ever Ranafast Cup in 1944. He also played in the Ranafast Cup finals of the following two years. In 1947, Paddy starred at right full back on the team that beat Oliver Plunketts after a replay to capture the county JFC. Paddy also played midfield in two senior championship campaigns and partnered John Maguire when star-studded Young Irelands were shocked in the first round in 1951. When the club hit upon hard times in the mid-1950s, Paddy was part of a visionary group that got together and worked tirelessly to forge a new club spirit and lay the foundations for the vibrant Cooley Kickhams club that exists today. Paddy was Honorary President of Cooley Kickhams GFC and GAA President Sean Kelly was among those who called to his home to pay their respects. Members of Cooley Kickhams provided the Guard of Honour at his funeral. The legacy that Paddy leaves behind will always be appreciated by the people of the peninsula and, indeed, all of Louth.

Nasir Ahmed (Dundalk)
Twenty-six-year-old Nasir Ahmed from Mount Avenue in Dundalk died in Germany on February 18th 2004. His funeral mass took place in the Church of the Redeemer and his coffin was draped in the Dundalk Gaels colours. Nasir was an outstanding all-round sportsman and excelled in a number of sports including gaelic football, soccer, rugby, badminton and karate. He was a popular young man with a great zest for life and will be greatly missed by his wide circle of family and friends in Dundalk and beyond.

Tom Begley (Dundalk)
Tom Begley from Meadow Grove in Dundalk was an accomplished performer in both soccer and gaelic football. He was 66 when he passed away on March 8th 2004. Tom possessed a tremendous love of all sports, especially gaelic games and soccer. He lined out for Sean O’Mahonys, and was goalkeeper on the county junior championship winning team of 1973.

Brian Connolly (Dundalk)
With the passing of Brian Connolly from Marian Park, Louth GAA and Clan na Gael have lost one of their truest supporters. Brian was a keen sports enthusiast who loved gaelic football and hurling. He was a valued member of the Clan na Gael club. Indeed, in the mid-1960s, he helped sow the seeds for the future well-being of the local GAA scene when, in conjunction with Paddy McCabe and Frank Boland, he was a founder member of Cumann Peil Na nOg in the Marian Park area.

John Halpenny (Louth)
John Halpenny from Mills of Louth was a popular farmer in his local area and enthusiastically supported both local clubs, Glyde Rangers and St Mochtas.

James Carolan (Knockbridge)
James Carolan from Grange, Knockbridge was aged 80 when he passed away early in 2004 following a long illness. Originally from the Ardee area, he spent most of his life in Grange and was a great supporter of St Brides and the Louth county team.

John Kindlon (Louth)
John Kindlon from Feran Drive, Louth village will be fondly remembered as one of St Mochtas GFC’s most enthusiastic and genuine supporters. He played for the club in his youth and was also a former selector. After a brave and dignified battle, Johnny finally succumbed to illness on Friday March 19th. One of Johnny’s main interests in life was following his local St Mochtas club. He supported the club with a rich fervour and rarely - if ever - missed a match. Though he was unable to attend matches towards the end of his life, Johnny never lost interest in the club and followed their results and fortunes closely at all times. Aptly, members of St Mochtas GFC acted as pallbearers and provided a Guard of Honour at Johnny’s funeral. As a mark of respect, the shield match due to take place against neighbours Annaghminnon Rovers that weekend was called off and re-fixed for a later date.

Tom Morgan (Castlebellingham)
The GAA lost one of its best-natured members with the passing of Tom Morgan from Main Street, Castlebellingham on Tuesday March 9 2004. Tom had a deep love of the O’Connells club and lined out for the Castlebellingham outfit for many years. In 1959, he was on the side that reached the Ranafast Cup final, only to be beaten by Dreadnots. Tom also played for Naomh Fionnbarra for a while. Even after hanging up his boots, he continued to do his bit for O’Connells, putting a great deal of time and effort into the selling of the club’s weekly lotto tickets. Fittingly, the club provided a Guard of Honour at the removal of Tom’s remains.

Joe McNally (Dundalk)
The late Joe McNally from Williamson’s Place had a lifetime’s association with Dundalk Gaels. Joe was extensively involved in the juvenile section of the club and coached numerous underage teams. He was also involved with Hill Street upon the start-up of Cumann Peil na nOg, and also with Glenmuir/Hill Street. A former committee member, Joe derived great joy from the Gaels’ many successes at county minor level over the years. He was a selfless worker behind the scenes, who offered genuine assistance to the Association and never sought credit for his tireless endeavour. Joe contributed immensely to Louth GAA, in particular to his own club Dundalk Gaels. Organizing the Cumann Peil na nOg underage teams, he made an indelible mark on each and every player who passed through his hands.

Cecil Reilly (Dundalk)
Cecil O’Reilly was originally from Cavan but moved to Dundalk as a young man. He won a senior championship with Gaels in 1952 and also played for both Cavan and Louth. He passed away on March 15 2004. The late Cecil was born and reared in Ballyconnell and gave a lifetime of service to the GAA. Cecil was also a great achiever in business and ran a number of successful businesses - Industrial Farm Machinery, Butterly Provisions, Rockman Wearblades and Dumont. While in Dundalk, Cecil hooked up with Gaels and helped the town club to a SFC final defeat of Dowdallshill in 1952. An accomplished defender who was equally at home in attack, he was with the Gaels for twelve seasons, before joining Naomh Fionnbarra. In 1964, the Togher side lost to Cooley in both the junior championship and McArdle Cup finals. Cecil declared for Cavan in 1956 and came into the team in place of the Gunner Brady. He won McKenna Cup and Fitzsimons Cup medals with the Breffni County and also went on to don the Louth jersey. In the workplace, Cecil employed a large number of gaels over the years. Members of the Blues team of ‘52 provided a Guard of Honour at the funeral and the coffin was draped in the blue and white colours of the club. Members of Naomh Fionnbarra also provided a Guard of Honour at the interment in Clonmore Cemetery.

Padraig McGee (Kilcurry)
Padraig McGee from Balriggan, Kilcurry had strong links with Roche Emmets GFC.
Padraig was only 47 when he died suddenly at Greenore Golf Course on Saturday April 3. He was a member of the management team at FAS and a devoted family man. Roche Emmets and work colleagues provided a Guard of Honour at Padraig’s funeral.

Paddy Carroll (Dundalk)
Paddy Carroll from McDermott’s Terrace, Dundalk, who passed away on April 7 2004, was closely associated with a number of sporting organisations throughout his life. Paddy was a former director of PJ Carrolls and served with the firm for over 40 years before retiring in the mid-90s. Hailing from a family with a strong sporting tradition, Paddy soon became involved with the Dundalk Gaels club. He played for the Gaels’ junior and senior teams and also served on the club committee. He was secretary for seven years. Not long before his death, he had assisted the club with its Golf Classic. He remained an ardent supporter. Paddy was also extensively involved in coursing and greyhound racing and was greatly admired for the tremendous voluntary work he carried out for many worthy causes. Members of Dundalk Gaels GFC and Dundalk & Dowdallshill Coursing Club provided a Guard of Honour at Paddy’s removal. The massive contribution Paddy Carroll made towards the welfare of others during his time amongst us stands as a monumental testament to a truly great man.

Thomas O’Neill (Riverstown)
Thomas O’Neill, Glenmore, Riverstown, was a keen Cooley Kickhams fan for all of his 82 years. He took great pleasure from all the club’s successes over the years.

Michael Feely (Dundalk)
Though originally from Roscommon, Mick lived in Dundalk for over 60 of his 86 years. He was a devoted GAA fan all his life and became a member of Roche Emmets GFC when living in the Fatima area. It was an affinity that never left him. Mick had a great enthusiasm for Irish language, culture, music and sport. He was one of a number of first team players and officers honoured by Roche Emmets at the club’s Centenary Reunion in November 1984.

Joe Moynagh (Ardee)
Joe Moynagh from Blakestown, Ardee was an avid gaelic football follower who regularly attended up to three matches on a Sunday during his younger years. He was a keen supporter of Hunterstown Rovers in particular and was to the fore in the initial moves to develop the club’s current pitch and facilities.

Padraig McGee (Kilcurry)
The high esteem in which the late Padraig McGee from Balbriggan, Kilcurry was held by local gaels was very much in evidence when both Roche Emmets GFC and the Naomh Malachi ladies team provided a Guard of Honour at his removal on Tuesday April 6th 2004.

Margaret O’Hare (Dundalk)
Margaret O’Hare was from No. 8 Cluan Enda in Dundalk. She always took a keen interest in her sons’ sporting achievements in both gaelic football and soccer and was a member of Cluan Enda Peil na nOg. She also served on the women’s committee of Dundalk Gaels GFC.

Mickey Reynolds (Stabannon)
Former Stabannon Parnells and Louth footballer Mickey Reynolds will be fondly remembered as one of the Wee County’s all-time greats. Mickey enjoyed an incredible playing career and (alongside brothers Patsy and Brian) was part of the history-making Stabannon side that started the ball rolling by winning the Louth senior football championship and the Joe Ward Cup for the very first time back in 1949. But he was not just a great footballer – Mickey was also a tireless worker for his beloved club, whom he served diligently as treasurer for a long number of years. The club was very close to Mickey’s heart throughout his life and it was the former player and tireless club officer who was responsible for painstakingly compiling the History of Stabannon Parnells to coincide with the official opening of their pitch in 1989. Mickey’s playing career at both club and county levels was the stuff of legend. He was on the Louth side that won the Leinster SFC in 1948 and went on to play Cavan in the All-Ireland semi-final. He was also on the Wee County side that faced Mayo in the national football league final the following year but lost to Mayo by two points, 1-8 to 1-6. A year later, Mickey recorded the highlight of his career when lining out at left corner forward for the 1950 All-Ireland senior football final. It was a day that will never be forgotten in Louth GAA history, when the Wee County suffered a controversial and luckless defeat to Mayo. Mickey was on the Louth senior team for a total of seven seasons and was named on the Team of the Century during the GAA’s centenary celebrations on 1984. He was a tremendous clubman who did a great deal to foster his beloved Stabannon Parnells. A real activist, he worked hard to promote the club, especially at underage level, and provided the Parnells with a playing pitch, which they used for 33 years, 1955-89. Mickey Reynolds was buried in Stabannon on Tuesday June 15 2004.

George Hoey (Castlebellingham)
George Hoey Jnr from The Forge, Williamstown, Castlebellingham, was only 41 when he passed away at Drogheda’s Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital on Saturday June 5 2004. George was an enthusiastic GAA fan, who loved to follow the fortunes of his local O’Connells club. His son David plays for the local school team. George was also a keen supporter of the Louth county team.

James Clifford (Dundalk)
James (Jimmy) Clifford from Oliver Plunkett Park was a lifelong member of Clan na Gael GFC. He was also a member of the Gaelic League. At his funeral to St Patrick’s Cemetery, his coffin was draped in the famous green and amber of the Clans and members of the club committee acted as pallbearers.

Peter McGeough (Louth)
The late Peter McGeough from Corderry, Louth, Dundalk was an enthusiastic GAA fan during his 81 years. A very popular member of the farming community in mid-Louth, he represented the now disbanded Darver Volunteers GFC during his youth. His love of gaelic games stayed with him throughout his life.

Patrick Flanagan (Dromiskin)
Patrick Flanagan was originally from Castlerea but practiced as a veterinary surgeon in Louth for over 40 years. He played gaelic football for his native Roscommon at minor and senior levels and also represented UCD in Sigerson Cup fare. He maintained a keen interest in the game throughout his life.

Thomas Callan (Dundalk)
Thomas Callan from O’Hanlon Park was an avid football fan throughout his relatively short life, with an interest in both soccer and GAA. He played for the Redeemer minors and also for Clan na Gael..

Michael Culligan (Castlebellingham)
Michael Culligan from Lynns, Castlebellingham, was in his 86th year when he passed away following a brief illness at Louth County Hospital on July 31 2004. Michael had a great love of sport and played gaelic football with his local club. He represented O’Connells for many years during the 1930s and early ‘40s. During that era, Michael made the No.4 jersey his own. After he stopped playing, he retained a deep interest in the game and followed all Louth teams with enthusiasm.

Joseph Holland (Riverstown)
Joseph Holland from Gyles Quay, Riverstown, had a close association with St Patricks GFC. Originally from Limerick, Joe was a former vice-chairman of the Lordship club and the GAA played a huge part in his life. At his funeral, a Guard of Honour was provided by members of St Patricks, who acted as pallbearers.

Paddy Crossan (Dundalk)
Paddy Crossan from St Oliver Plunkett Park was 88 when he passed away towards the end of 2004. He lined out for Dundalk Gaels and retained an interest in gaelic football amongst many other sports up until the time of his death.

Seamus Gordan (Dundalk)
Seamus was originally from Kingscourt in Cavan but was thoroughly devoted to community development in Louth, particularly in the Faughart parish, where he was involved as a mentor with Roche Emmets GFC and the St Josephs juvenile football teams during the 1970s and ‘80s.