Patsy Duffy (Derryolam, Carrickmacross) Described as an absolute gentleman, Patsy was a native of Bawn. On purchasing the Drop Inn pub in 1983, the family moved to Shercock but returned to the Carrickmacross areas on Patsy's retirement in 1997. He had a life long interest in politics and was involved with the Corduff club. Eugene McKenna (Derryolam, Carrickmacross) Eugene was a native of Dromiskin, Louth and while in the Wee County, won medals with the local St. Josephs. A member of the Garda Siochana, he played with Aughnamullen on moving to Monaghan and won a junior championship trophy with the Lough Egish club. Eugene also lined out with Ballybay and was deemed good enough to start for the Monaghan senior team. Paddy Connolly (Cornacassa, Monaghan) Paddy, who died after a short illness, was well known in the farming community. He always kept a close eye on how the county footballers were progressing. Paddy's family have a long association with the Monaghan Harps club and are also involved with the newly formed Fergal O'Hanlons. Joan Meegan (Inniskeen, Dundalk) Joan was the wife of Inniskeen Vice President and former playing great Larry Meegan. Larry won senior championship medals with the Grattans during the 1940s and also researched and wrote a considerable amount of the club's history book 'The Inniskeen Story'. Tommy Carolan (Drumboory and Cloughvalley, Carrickmacross) Tommy had suffered ill health for the previous two years and worked as a foreman with Shannon Homes. In his youth he was an outstanding footballer with Magheracloone Mitchells and in later years, remained an avid supporter. Only last year Tommy, a very popular figure in his area, received the annual Hall of Fame award from the south Monaghan club. Austin Carroll (Clones and Coolshannagh, Monaghan) Austin won a senior championship medal with his native Clones in 1943 and was a Monaghan county senior. He later played intercounty with Louth. An all round sportsman, the Clones native was a trustee of Monaghan United FC and for many years acted as the club's pro. A real leader on the sporting field, while a boarder at St. Macartan's, he captained the Monaghan school to MacRory Cup success in 1941. Austin Carroll also played with the Ulster provincial team. While in Louth he gained championship honours with the Old Gaels club from Dundalk and won a junior medal while lining out for Parish Gaels in Dublin. Coming back to live in Monaghan in 1962, Austin became active in the underage section at Monaghan Harps and was an astute selector on the Harps minor double winning team of 1979. Owenie Sweeney (Cornahoe, Castleblayney) Owenie was a great lover of ceili music and dancing and was a founder member of the Lisnagrieve Pipe Band in 1929 when he was only 12 years old. He followed GAA activities, both locally and nationally and was a great supporter of Clontibret GFC. Sean Brennan (Corvoy) It is with some sadness that we relate the death of Sean Brennan, Corvoy. One of the last founder members of the Drumhowan club, he was very influential in bringing the Tullycorbet community into the club and served as chairman from 1956-64, a period which included the winning of the junior double in 1960. Sean undertook other duties also, and in order to raise funds for the club, he started the drama group which became Ballintra Players in later times, where he acted as organiser and producer for a number of years. To another generation, Sean - together with Harry Conlon, Seamus Duffy and John Forde - was responsible for the establishment of Tullycorbet Sons of Erin which created a full juvenile setup within the Drumhowan club. It is fitting that his son Anthony is now one of the key personnel working with the under 10s and that we are now seeing Sean's grandchildren starting to play for the club. Our sympathy goes to Sean's wife Annie May, to children Mary, Anthony and Una and to all his family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Drumhowan GFC Patrick J. Marron (Ballybay and England) Patrick was buried in Bath in early May. Paul McCarthy, Paddy Kerr, Jim Kerr and John Connolly travelled from Ballybay to represent the Pearse Brothers. They acted as pallbearers to and from the church. The coffin was draped in the Ballybay GFC flag and the pallbearers wore their club centenary jackets. In a speech, Paul McCarthy recalled Patrick's youth and his family in their native town and the deceased's involvement in sport. Patrick, better known as 'the Shiner', was a member of the 'Double Event' team of 1966 when Pearse Brothers won the county minor championship and the Father Maguire Cup, captained by the late Michael McArdle. Patrick also played on the 1969 senior championship team Eric Merrin (Killanny) Eric was born and reared in this south Monaghan townland. A useful footballer in his younger days, he won a number of medals with local combinations. Eric, who was aged 87 years of age on his death, always remained an avid Killanny and Monaghan supporter. Denis Connolly (Sligo/Carrickmacross) Denis was a native of the Drumcliffe area of county Sligo and was a star forward with the Yeats side during the 1970s. Sligo captured the Connacht title in 1975 (2007 was their next such victory) and Denis was a vital part of the panel and came on as a substitute during the All-Ireland semi-final loss to Kerry. On moving to Monaghan, Denis played his football with Monaghan Harps and was an important member of the team that won the championship final in 1971. His duties in the Gardai then took him to Carrickmacross where he lined out with the local Emmets. In 1976 Denis won an intermediate championship medal with the south county team and alongside his colleagues, gained All-Ireland Garda inter divisional championship medals with Cavan/Monaghan in 1975, 1976 and 1977. All of these finals were held in Croke Park. Denis also pulled on the colours of his adopted county. He was deeply involved in the coaching of juveniles in the Carrick GAA club and was joint manager of the Emmets minor team which swept to county honours in 1978 and 1985. He also acted as senior manager of Carrickmacross Emmets during the early 1980s. A very popular member of the Gardai and the local community, Denis' forte was working with young people and he was appointed Juvenile Liaison Officer in 1981. As expected, huge crowds attended the funeral. Felix Mullholland (Inniskeen) Inis Caoin Cumann Luthchleas Gael (Inniskeen Grattans) and indeed Coiste Chondae Muineachain lost one of the greatest players it has ever produced when we heard the dreadful news of the very untimely death of Felix Mullholland, Thornfield, Inniskeen who was tragically killed in a road traffic accident. Felix strode the playing fields of Monaghan, Ulster and Ireland with great aplomb and humility. There was no airs or graces about him as he just got on with his job with the minimum of fuss. The esteem in which he was held was evidenced by the large turn out, both at the removal of his remains and at his funeral. Our club and indeed the entire parish of Inniskeen will be all the worse off for his absence. We would like to offer his mother Mary and all his brothers and sisters and their families our deepest sympathy and condolences. Ar dheis lamh De go raibh a anam dhilis. Tony Loughman The death of the late Tony Loughman in his native Castleblayney cast a dark shadow over the Gaelic football scene in Co. Monaghan and also evoked great sadness throughout the entertainment world. It marked the passing of an illustrious figure, whose name was synonymous, both with the GAA scene and the bandstand glitter and razzmatazz for upwards of three vastly changing decades, with a flashback for many top stars, especially Irish country stars and showbands, of today and yesterday, who, thanks to Tony's touch, have basked in the glory of the showbiz circuit in the North East region. A legend on the GAA scene, and very proud of his deep roots with his native Castleblayney Faughs, Tony, who was aged 64, passed away at his home after a protracted illness, which he bore with great fortitude. He was a member of one of Castleblayney's best known and respected families and his death, though inevitable, still came as a very severe blow to all who knew him and especially so, to his immediate devoted family and friends. Tony was a man endowed with a personality which left him totally at home whether hammering out a 'deal' in the sweltering heat of the Grand Old Oprey under the blue Nashville sky, or arguing the 'toss' in the making of one of his 'stars' in the comfort of an RTE production suite. And he rarely wavered when making his point and, more importantly, he seldom lost the argument! The tributes paid from all sides to the late Tony were but a tiny reflection of the respect and popularity he enjoyed, not only in his native Castleblayney but throughout Co. Monaghan and in the country at large. Senior political figures as well as leading promoters and entertainers all made their way to Tony's residence to offer their sympathy and pay their respects. The funeral cortege from the family residence along the Dundalk Road to St. Mary's Church was one of the largest seen for some time. The Ulster Council of the GAA as well as Monaghan GAA Board and Castleblayney Faughs GFC were all represented with former footballing comrades of Tony taking turns as pallbearer. Several officials from the Ulster Council and Monaghan GAA Board were in attendance including the local Ulster Council representative Martin McAviney and GAA Board Chairman John Connolly. Heading the list of distinguished political representatives at the funeral was An Ceann Comhairle Dr. Rory O'Hanlon TD Carrickmacross. Other members of the Oireachtas included TDs and members of Seanad Eireann from all over the Midlands and southern counties. Senior entertainment personnel from RTE, BBC Northern Ireland, and Ulster Television were present for the Requiem Mass and funeral service on Monday. The huge turnout of mourners completely packed St. Mary's Church. Rev. Fr. Brian D'Arcy, the Passionist priest, a lifelong friend of Tony and chaplain to the music world, was chief celebrant of the Requiem Mass. He was also assisted by Rev. Fr. Pat McHugh and Rev. Fr. Seamus Whelan, who were also close friends of the late Tony' and Rev. Fr. Kevin Duffy, C.C. 'Blayney. During the Requiem Mass Fr. D'Arcy paid tribute to Tony and spoke fondly and with deep emotion of their times together, up until Tony's passing. He also extended his sincere sympathy to Tony's wife Joan, and family, sons Declan and Anthony, and daughters Ciara and Caroline, Tony's brother Noel, his sister Shiela, and all the grandchildren. Fr. D'Arcy spoke of visiting Tony on the occasion of the recent death of singer Dermot O'Brien, and he experienced a great affinity between the two, both of whom shared a love for Gaelic football and the entertainment scene. Fr. D'Arcy recalled how Tony had left his daily job with Roadstone Quarries at Moraghey to get involved in the entertainment business. He then set up the Top Rank Entertainment company at Castleblayney and got heavily involved with the promotion of showbands and singers, bringing in a number of leading showbiz stars to entertain at gigs here, including Dublin. He recalled how, prior to Mr. Loughman's death, a presentation was made to Tony in recognition of his great work for charity. It was a fitting gesture and something that was truly deserved. Fr. D'Arcy said Tony's life, whether with the tide, or against it, portrayed him as having a fearless and indestructible character, and as somebody whose role was right at the centre of everything. After some stormy trips through the sea of life, they were now sure, he said, that Tony was at home with God, and also with his loved family members, including his daughter Adele, who had predeceased him, enjoying his biggest gig of all. The Readings during the Requiem Mass were by Ms. Mairead McGuinness and Ms. Geraldine Clarke. The gifts were presented by Pat McDonald, Dorothy Duffy, Aaron McNamara, Odhran Kieran, Denise Gray, and Anthony Harte. The Responsorial Psalm was recited by Bronagh Moore. Throughout the Requiem Mass and funeral service, there were beautiful renditions from Philomena Begley, Ronnie Duffy, US country Singer, Dee Reilly, Paddy Cole, and Owenie Smith, (organ). After the prayers at the graveside, Tony's veteran Blayney Faughs' GAA associate and life-long friend, Liam McGrath paid a further glowing tribute to the deceased. He said that eight short years ago he had also stood at the grave of the late Tony's loyal friend and right-hand man, Dickie Sullivan, and recalled how he then never thought he would have been speaking at Dickie's funeral. The same sentiments assailed him once again at Tony's funeral, making a sorrowful and difficult task almost unbearable. He said they were bidding farewell to a man who had become a legend in his own lifetime. He described Tony as a 'warrior bold' from the Faughs' star-studded stable and a self-made larger-than-life impresario who abandoned the safety and security of a solid nine-to-six job to gatecrash the showband scene with spectacular success against all odds and forecasts, proving the doubting Thomas's of that era wrong. He continued: "Tony's life in the fast-lane became a roller-coaster of ups and downs; fortunes made and fortunes lost; all without batting an eyelid". "He had this remarkable resilience, the ability to bounce back and never take 'no' for an answer." Mr McGrath described the late Mr Loughman as a charismatic figure, who was controversial and thrived on controversy and confrontation. "At full speed the sparks simply flew off a man charged with much energy, determination, and independence of mind and sprit." Mr McGrath said the showbiz industry for which Tony had done so much to promote, did not forget or forsake him, when he was stricken. He recalled there was a great groundswell of support for Tony's recent 'last gig' , for a cause dear to his heart...ironically, to raise money for cancer support and research. It was Tony's last hurrah, fittingly on his home ground in historic Hope Castle and showing tremendous will power, he made a fleeting appearance to take the plaudits of the crowd for the last time, said Mr McGrath. Mr McGrath said Tony later quietly remarked to his lifelong friend, Pat McDonald, who drove him home,how he 'went out on a high!' In conclusion, Mr McGrath recalled Tony's footballing performances in the green and gold Faughs' colours. He said it was Tony who persuaded him to come back and 'take over the club' which he had not regretted. "We scaled the heights of success together. He broke every rule in the book and indeed some that were not in the book, as fame and fortune enveloped him, but truly, his like will not be seen again". Mr McGrath ended his tribute by quoting the poet, Thomas Davis, whose words, he said, urged them always to remember people like Tony Loughman with pride. He added "Slan agus Beannacht Tony a mhic ... may God be with you". Courtesy of the Northern Standard. Brian Ruddy The Gaels of Toome and Monaghan were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Brian Ruddy who passed away on 16th July 2007 after a lengthy illness. Brian was born and lived all his life on the family farm in Coolskeagh and like many men of his era he devoted his working life to the farm. His love of the land soon extended to the football field, and Brian played with the Toome club from 1960 until 1975 when he was part of the Intermediate double-winning panel. While he was small in stature, he was big in heart and presence, and was marked as a leader of men from an early age. When his playing days were finished he turned his attention to the administration side and served the club in various posts. In 1984, as Club Chairman along with Paddy Buggy, then GAA President he turned the sod to commence the building of the Toome complex. At the time of his passing Brian was Club Vice Chairman as well as County Committee delegate, a role he assumed when his lifelong friend Patsy Lambe took ill last year. He also served for a time as senior team manager and always took a particular interest in underage football. Despite his illness he attended the Toome v. Fergal O'Hanlons JFC game on Sunday 1st July, and attended the June Co Board meeting, continuing his commitment to his club until the end. He served as Leas Cathaoirleach of Bord na nOg during the 1990's and diffused many a serious debate with his remarkable wit. Brian was deeply committed to the local community and was an active member of the Irish Farmers Association, having been to the forefront of many campaigns in the 60's and 70's where he avidly campaigned for better prices and rights for his chosen walk of life. He was also a member of Macra na Feirme and enjoyed the debating competitions immensely, where he was renowned for his dry wit and intelligent contributions, and he once appeared on TV, representing his beloved Co Monaghan in a quiz programme. A loyal Monaghan supporter he found time to advise Seamus McEnaney the day before the Ulster final, and will surely be watching from above as they take the field for future encounters. As well as being a great community man Brian was also a deeply committed family-man. His family can take great comfort from the rewarding life, the many friendships he made and from the high esteem in which he was held far and wide. He greatly looked forward to his daughter Louise's marriage to PJ Kelly, and was no doubt with them in spirit. To his wife Bernie, son Edward, daughters Sarah, Louise, Ciara and Sheen, Son and Daughter-in-law and grandchildren we extend our deepest sympathy. Go ndeana Dia Trocaire ar a anam. Courtesy of the Northern Standard Jack Burns (Market Square, Castleblayney) Jack Burns, the last surviving member of the 1938 Monaghan Ulster Senior Football Championship winning team, died on 14th August 2007. Born in Castleblayney in 1911, he celebrated his 96th birthday last May. He was a gifted footballer with a distinguished career for both Castleblayney Faughs and Monaghan. He first played with Monaghan Senior footballers in 1934. That year he was part of the Monaghan team that won the Dr McKenna Cup. Jack lined out at full forward on a team which boasted the inclusion of no less than eight 'Faughs men. He was to wait until 1938 to win his next inter county medal when he assisted Monaghan in winning the Anglo Celt Cup. Jack was selected to play against Galway in the All Ireland Semi Final but the news of his father's death that morning prevented him from doing so. Peter "Mc Gowan" Finnegan also missed that game through injury. The general opinion at that time was that if both had been playing then Monaghan would have beaten Galway that day. He also had an illustrious playing career with Castleblayney Faughs. Jack first played with the Faughs in 1929. From then up to 1941 he won (and ususally playing in his favourite number 14 jersey) eight senior football championship medals. The winning years were 1931, 32, 33, 36, 37, 39, 40 and 1941. Added to his Championship souvenirs were Owen Ward Cup Medals in 1931, 38, 39 and 1941. He served as Club Treasurer in the 1940's and was Club President since 1985 and he was inducted into the Monaghan GAA Hall of Fame in 1985. Jack Burns had a great memory for players, games and dates and could be relied upon for accurate information. His earliest recollection of attending a game was in 1916. That particular game saw Castleblayney and Aughnamullen clash in the Senior Football Championship. He could recall that he had an uncle playing on each team. John Loughman, Billy Mason, Jimmy Duffy, Eddie O'Connor, Pat Hughes and Christy Fisher are some of the players he listed as the greatest he played with. Christy Fisher was best man for Jack Burns at his wedding in 1949. On the intercounty scene he would name Jim Smith (Cavan) as the best intercounty player he played against. When asked about the best player in a Monaghan shirt he had no hesitation in naming Nudie Hughes . A life time supporter of Castleblayney Faughs, nothing gave him greater pleasure than to see the American Cup or the Mick Duffy Cup brought back to Castleblayney on County Final day. Castleblayney Faughs GAA Phil O'Donoghue (Aghabog) With the news of the passing of the late Phil O'Donoghue, Aghabog, Monaghan has lost it's only surviving link with the county minor team of 1939 that reached the final of the All-ireland minor football championship, only to lose by two points to Roscommon. Phil captained the team from the full back position and by all accounts was a great exponent of the qualities needed for that most important position in the game back then. A native of Aghabog, Phil first came to prominence as a 13-year-old when he helped Monaghan CBS to a then sensational victory over St Patrick's College Cavan, in the Ulster Colleges competition in 1934. He went on to win a Dr.Ward Cup medal with Aghabog in 1936 at the tender age of 15 years and as a 17-year-old he was playing senior football with Monaghan. Phil was a member of the county senior team panel in 1938 but had the misfortune of suffering a broken leg in a Dr.McKenna Cup game which resulted in him missing out on an Ulster senior championship medal that year. During the war years Phil was based in Drogheda and threw in his lot with the Oliver Plunketts club with whom he won Louth County Board honours. After the war Phil was recalled to the county senior panel and remembered playing against Fermanagh in 1946. Thereafter work commitments and a move to Dublin as well as marriage took precedence in his life. He later moved back to Aghabog where he ran the local post office and shop with his wife Mona. Aghabog club members along with County Board officers formed a guard of honour at the removal of his remains from his residence with the coffin draped in the Aghabog colours. There was a large and representative attendance at his funeral Mass which was celebrated by his nephew Fr. Terry McElvaney. Tributes were paid to him not only as a footballer but as a very committed worker and a dedicated family man. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis. Aghabog GFC Packie Brannigan (Annyalla) It is with deep regret that we record the death of Packie Brannigan, Annagh, Annyalla which occurred on Tuesday 30th January 2007 peacefully at Monaghan general Hospital, surrounded by his family at the age of 97. Packie was the last surviving member of a family of four brothers and one sister. He was a very quiet, easy going gentleman who was highly respected throughout the community. Packie was a founder member of Cremartin GFC in 1934 and was a member of the 1938 Dr. Ward Cup winning team where he was a very talented footballer. He received the Hall of Fame Award in 1992. He continued as a very loyal GAA Cremartin Supporter even to the very end. When he wasn't at the match, he made sure he knew the result. His two sons Gerry and Aiden followed in his footsteps to be talented footballers as indeed all his nephews were also gifted footballers. He could hold his own in any debate in the political field and he also was a very gifted tradesman. As Fr. Mc Donnell stated in his homily Packie had witnessed many changes in the history of the country and praised his kindness and goodness and added that he was an example for others to follow. Packie was very well cared for by his wife Ita and loving family. He was deeply saddened just over a year ago at the sad loss of his loving daughter Bridie Farnan. It was very evident by the popularity of the family by the large number of people who visited the family home and who attended the Requiem Mass. His funeral took place to St Michael's Church, Annyalla on Thursday 1st February where his remains were received by Fr. Paudge McDonnell PP. There was a guard of honour by Cremartin GFC. Mass was concelebrated by Fr. McDonnell PP and Monsignor Macartan McQuaid PP Clones. The liturgy readers were Sinead Farnan and Emma Brannigan (grand-daughters). Deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Ita, sons Gerry (Lismaguniston), Aidan (Annagh), Daughters Mrs Pamela Kenny (Ashbourne) and Mrs Rita McQuaid (Moybridge), sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandchildren and to all the rest of the extended family circle. Cremartin GFC held a special meeting to pass a vote of sympathy to his wife Ita and to all the Brannigan family on his death. Courtesy of the Northern Standard Jemmy McCahey (Magheracloone) The death has taken place of well known local farmer Jemmy McCahey of Tonaneave, Maghercloone. He had been in ill health for some time. Jemmy, was a devoted family man whose passing brought great sadness to all who knew him. He was born in Drumbrone, Magheracloone and was educated firstly at Ballynagearn National School before attending the Patrician High School in Carrickmacross. During his school years Jemmy started his farming career as a farmhand with local farmers mainly in the Greaghlone area. After his marriage he moved to Tonaneave and commenced full-time farming along with his wife Bridgie. Jemmy had many interests. He was a lifelong supporter of Magheracloone Mitchels GFC with whom he played football in his youth. Always dedicated to the club, he went on to become Club secretary, a position he held for over 15 years. Jemmy was also a fluent Irish speaker all his life and always took pride in writing out the various Mitchels team sheets as Gaeilge. He was the proud recipient of the Magheracloone Mitchels Hall of Fame Award in 1998. Jemmy was 79 and is survived by his wife Bridgie; by his sons PJ, John, Pat, Declan, Oliver and Vincent, all Magheracloone, Jimmy, Killanny and Brendan, Shercock; by his daughters Dymphna, Bridget, Angela and Theresa, all Magheracloone and Mary, Kingscourt; by his sisters Kathleen, Dublin and Bridie, Carrick; by his sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchild, nieces, relatives and many friends. Courtesy of the Dundalk Democrat Joe Smyth The year gone saw the passing of one of the legends of Gaelic games in Monaghan and Clontibret, Joe Smyth died peacefully in Cavan General Hospital. Joe was born into a strong GAA family. His father Ned was the first Secretary and Captain of Clontibret O'Neills on the formation of the club in 1910. His brothers Tommy and Eamonn featured on Clontibret, Cremartin and Tassan teams of the 1930's and when, in 1946, the Clontibret O'Neills were reformed after the Emergency Years, Joe and Eamonn were to the fore. Joe quickly emerged as a talented and especially gifted player, excelling at the high catch and he made the no 11 slot his own at both club and also at county level. Honours were quick to come too. In 1947 Clontibret won the Junior Championship title and thus gained promotion to Senior ranks, a mere two years after the club's re-formation. The year 1949 ushered in an era in the history of the club that is recalled to this day as Clontibret were to win a total of four Senior Championship titles back to back between the years 1949 and 1952. Joe Smyth played such a pivotal role in these years that it was natural that he was picked on the County teams of those years. Joe's playing career stretched from 1947 until 1973. During that time he won no fewer than eight Monaghan Senior Football Championship medals, three Senior Hurling medals and a Junior Football Medal with Clontibret. He won his last senior championship medal in 1968 when he was 42 years old, playing a vital part in the victory by giving the final pass to Sean Woods for the goal that beat Scotstown. He played at midfield on the Monaghan team that was defeated narrowly by Cavan in the Ulster Final of 1952, Cavan going on to win the All-Ireland that year. He was the holder of several Dr McKenna Cup and Lagan Cup medals as well as numerous Owen Ward and Fr Hackett Cup honours. In addition to his record on the field, Joe always provided a helping hand in off-the-field activities at club and community level. A farmer and postman by occupation, he loved Irish music and was a founder member of the St Mary's Accordion Band in Clontibret. He took great pride in the achievements and the progressive attitude of the Contibret O'Neill's club and was looked up to by all the players who came after him. His funeral to St Mary's Church Clontibret was largely attended. His coffin was draped in the Clontibret colours of saffron and white and it bore the No 11 Jersey which Joe wore with such distinction for so many years. A guard of honour was formed by members of the Clontibret and Monaghan teams of those years and some from other counties with which Monaghan did battle during Joe's long career. He is survived by his sisters Mary Smyth (Clontibret) and Carmel Carville (Annyalla), his brother-in-law Arthur Carville, his nephew and nieces. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam Dilis. Courtesy of the Northern Standard Willie and Cassie Connolly (Cloniston/Clones) With the death of Willie Connolly in the early hours of Sunday morning, December 2nd the Connolly family of Cloniston, Clones were suffering their third bereavement this year. It was only three short months previous that the late Cassie Connolly was laid to rest and to have to go through the loss of a second parent in such short time was very difficult. The late Cassie Connolly (nee McQuillan) passed to her eternal reward on August 27th. Her passing in her 76th year evoked widespread regret as she was held in very high esteem in the area and the large and representative attendance at the removal of her remains and funeral Mass was testament to that. In a moving homily tributes were paid to Cassie for her kind and gentle nature, for her concern for others and for the warm welcoming atmosphere she created in the family home. Her husband the late Willie Connolly was in his early 80s when he passed away quite suddenly on December 2nd just three months after the death of his beloved wife. A devoted husband and father he was a former member of the outdoor staff of Monaghan County Council. In a large and representative attendance at the removal of his remains and funeral Mass on Tuesday morning, December 4th in St Mary's Church, the Connons, members of the Currin club, officers of Monaghan County Board and former work colleagues formed a guard of honour as his remains were carried into the church. Prior to the start of the concelebrated Requiem Mass a number of symbolic gifts were carried to the altar, items that reflected important things in his life. They represented his great love for his family, his love of community, especially the Currin club and his love of hunting and nature. Later during the homily tributes were paid to the late Willie for his Christian approach to life and for his generosity in everything he did. Willie and Cassie Connolly were a devoted couple and their passing will leave a major void in the family circle. Willie and Cassie are, of course, the parents of our present County Chairman John Connolly. Ar dheis De go raibh a nanamnacha. JG Packie McQuillan (Cloniston/Glasgow) The Connolly family of Cloniston, Clones and the McQuillan family of Scotshouse suffered their first bereavement of the year with the death of the late Packie McQuillan in Glasgow in the early months of 2007. Packie emigrated to Scotland with his wife Margaret (nee Treanor from Carrickroe) where they reared their family of two girls and one boy. Packie's wish though was that he be laid to rest in his native Connons church yard and his wishes were carried out with a packed church hearing in the homily during Requiem Mass for his love of his native place. Packie is survived by his wife Margaret, his two daughters, his son, sons and daughter in law and his beloved grandchildren. Go ndeanfaidh Dia trocaire ar a anam. JG Pat Dooley (Killanny). There was a large and representative attendance at the removal of the remains and the Requiem Mass for the late Pat Dooley, Killany on Sunday November 25th last. Pat, who was in his early nineties and a native of Killanny, passed away peacefully. While Pat himself did not represent the Killanny club his family have all been involved in GAA activity at various levels. His son, Seamus, who emigrated to New York in the late seventies has been involved in administration at various levels there and is currently the President of the New York GAA Board. Members of the Killanny club formed a guard of honour with the GAA at national level represented by Uachtaran, Nicky Brennan and the new Ard Stiurthoir, Paraic Duffy. Aogan Farrell represented the Ulster Council and Monaghan Cou Tweet

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