Monaghan Obituaries 2005

Hugo Mallon, Scotstown
The sudden death of Hugo Mallon at his home in Lannaght, Knockatallon, Scotstown on Sunday November 28 2004 caused widespread shock and sadness. Though he was originally from Roslea in Fermanagh, Hugo spent over 30 of his 54 years in Knockatallon, where he was a valued member of the local community. Hugo’s tremendous popularity was reflected by the large number of neighbours and friends who paid their respects at his home and at Requiem Mass in St Mary’s Urbleshanny. Due to his son Dessie and his brothers’ links with the Association, the GAA was strongly represented, with players and officials from counties Monaghan and Fermanagh paying their respects.

John F Conlon, Ballybay
The town of Ballybay and folk from much further afield mourned the passing of John F. Conlon last December.
As well as being a well-known politician, John Francis Conlon was a great supporter of Gaelic games.
He was secretary of the Ballybay Pearse Brothers in the 'fifties and spearheaded the development of Pearse Park which, for many years, was one of the foremost venues in Ulster.
John Francis was also registrar of Monaghan County Board

Paddy McLoughlin, Monaghan
The Monaghan Harps club learned with great regret of the death last December in Dublin of Paddy McLoughlin, a member of the legendary Monaghan Harps 1949 Junior county double winning team.
As a Garda based in Monaghan, Paddy made a big contribution to the Harps, both as an administrator and a player.
He received a presentation in 1999 from the club to mark the 50th anniversary of the aforementioned triumphs.
Typically, the ever-generous Paddy presented the club with a framed picture of the 1949 team.

Gerry Markey, Cremartin
All belonging to the Cremartin Shamrocks club were in mourning last winter when news emerged of the sudden death of Gerry Markey, Avelbane.
Gerry was a loyal supporter of the club and his family are very much involved in Cremartin Shamrocks' matters, as players and supporters.
There were several guards of honour afforded Gerry's remains, including that by Cremartin Shamrocks GAA.

Stephen McAree, Doogary, Tydavnet
Gaels right across the north Monaghan area were united in their sadness at the sudden death in Monaghan General Hospital on December 27th 2004 of Stephen McAree, Tydavnet.
An outstanding sportsman, Stephen played Gaelic football for Emyvale and was a member of the Monaghan senior team in the late 'fifties.
Mary McEneaney, Castleblayney
It was with deep regret that the people of Castleblayney and further afield learned of the death of Mary McEneaney, Castleblayney, at the residence of her sisters in Rathmore, Donaghmoyne.
Mary had a wonderful love for community affairs and also GAA matters.
Mary's remains were afforded a guard of honour by Cremartin GAA and County Monaghan Ladies Football team, such was the respect she commanded in the local area.

James Hamill, Carrickmacross
The Donaghmoyne and Carrickmacross GAA fraternities were saddened to learn of the death of James Hamill, Ardross Avenue, Carrickmacross in mid-January last.
James, formerly of Cloughvalley in the south Monaghan town, was aged 94 and a native of the Donaghmoyne area.
He took a great interest in all kinds of activities, but especially GAA affairs.
He distinguished himself for a time at the helm of the GAA in county Monaghan.
James was involved with the Donaghmoyne Fontenoys for many years, retaining various officership positions for long periods.
He was also prominently identified with the Monaghan GAA Board with which he held a senior executive position in the 'forties.

Barney Keenan, Aughnamullen
Barney Keenan's death at the age of 91 on January 16th, 2005 was regretted by everyone attached to the Aughnamullen GAA club.
A farmer by occupation, Barney had a great interest in Gaelic football and played the game in his youth for Carrickatee, Laggan, Laragh and later for the local Sarsfields.

Frankie McBennett, Annyalla
January 22nd last was a sad day for the family of Frankie McBennett, Dunfelemy, Annyalla and for his many relations and friends, including a whole host of GAA comrades in Cremartin.
Frankie was an outstanding supporter of Cremartin GAA for whom he was deeply involved in fundraising.
He was also a familiar figure doing the role of linesman at all the club's home games.

James Downey, Emyvale
The entire membership of Emyvale GAA and the general public in the north Monaghan area were devastated to learn of the death of James Downey, son of Eamon and Joan Downey last January.
James showed a lot of promise and potential as a juvenile player with the club.

Tom McMahon, Killanny
There was much disappointment among the Killanny GAA supporters at the death of Tom McMahon.
Tom served the club for years, both as a player and committee member.

Oliver Lonergan, Carrickmacross
Members of Carrick Emmets were shocked and saddened by the passing of the club's former secretary Oliver Lonergan in early February last.
Oliver was a tireless worker for the Emmets in his role as Secretary and his work was much appreciated by local gaels.

Packie Connolly, Dr. McKenna Terrace, Monaghan
The passing of Packie Connolly brought great sadness to all belonging to Monaghan Harps GAA last February.
A member of the club's Lotto Committee, he was a very hard-working member of the weekly team.
As a Lotto promoter he also enjoyed the Sunday night draw until his illness prevented him from attending.
Among the guards of honour afforded Packie was one from Monaghan Harps’ Lotto Committee.

Jimmy Moore, Currin
The sympathy of all Currin gaels was extended to the Moore family in mid-February following the death of Jimmy Moore which took place in Dublin.
The late Jimmy was a prominent player with the club in the 'thirties, winning Intermediate and Junior championship medals during that period.

Celia Thompson, Killeevan
Celia's death in late February last robbed the Killeevan Sarsfields club of a valued and long-time supporter.
The late Celia had a great love for the Sarsfields and local gaels were united in their grief at her passing.

James Patrick McKenna, Kilmore West, Knockatallon
James Patrick McKenna passed away to his enternal reward on February 27th last to the deep regret of his family and many friends in the community.
James Patrick was a farmer by occupation and outside of his family, his main interests in life were following the fortunes of Scotstown and Monaghan Gaelic football teams and reading poetry.

Aisling McCarney, Tyholland
There was widespread shock and sadness at the death of Aisling McCarney (nee McKenna) at the young age of 27.
Aisling was very fond of all things Irish and distinguished herself in the colours of Tyholland ladies gaelic football team.

Eithne Duffy, Ballybay
GAA supporters in Ballybay joined with the Duffy clan and extended family members in grieving the death of Eithne Duffy on March 2nd last.
A native of Castleblayney, Eithne died at her residence after a short illness.
As a mark of respect to Eithne, members of the local Pearse Brothers GAA formed a guard of honour at her funeral.

John Meehan, Scotstown
The Scotstown club felt a large degree of loss following the death of John Meehan, Gola last March.
John was a club official for many years and held the post of treasurer for a period.

John McEnaney, Carrickmacross
Inniskeen Grattans lost a valued supporter with the death in mid-March of John McEnaney, Carrickmacross.
John supported the Grattans club with his patronage of the weekly bingo sessions.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Inniskeen
The Inniskeen Grattans club membership was greatly saddened by the death of Kevin Fitzpatrick in England.
Kevin was a former Grattans stalwart and county player who possessed great football talent.

Seamus Winters, Aughnamullen
All belonging to Aughnamullen GAA were saddened to learn of the death of Seamus Winters.
Seamus was a former talented underage player with Aughnamullen.

John McKenna, Mill Street, Monaghan
The community of Monaghan town and local gaels in particular were saddened at the passing of John McKenna at the age of 82.
John was a native of Knockaturley before moving to Monaghan.
He was a lifetime follower of GAA and often told the story of his younger days spent with friends cycling to Ulster championship matches around the province.

John Francis Gallagher, Knockatallon
The death of John Francis in Warren's Lock, London was greeted by much sadness by gaels in his native Knockatallon.
John Francis had a keen interest in football and played for the Knockatallon team years ago.

John Murphy, Dooskey, Killeevan
Killeevan gaels were united in their sympathy for the family and relatives of John Murphy, Dooskey who passed away last April.
John was a former player with Killeevan and always gave his best for the club.

Cathal Higgins, Tullygoney, Tydavnet
The death of Cathal Higgins cast a pall of gloom and sadness over a wide area around Tydavnet and much further afield in April last.
A well-known businessman, Cathal was a renowned handballer and his remains were afforded a guard of honour by members of Tydavnet Handball Club and the under 12 girls football team.
Cathal was responsible some years ago for forming a juvenile section of the handball club.

Jim Joe McDermott, Ballinode
The sudden death of Jim Joe McDermott, Ballinode came as a deep shock to his nearest and dearest and a host of local gaels.
Jim Joe had a love of all ball games but in particular Gaelic football and his support of Scotstown GFC and Monaghan GAA teams was well-recognised.

Michael Bannigan, Lisduff, Aughnamullen
Members of the Aughnamullen club joined with family and relatives in mourning the death of Michael Bannigan, Lisduff.
Michael was a former player with Laragh and Aughnamullen.

Malachy Corrigan, Emyvale
The sympathy of the entire Emyvale club was extended to the family and relatives of the late Malachy Corrigan who died last April.
One of the finest footballers to ever don the Emyvale colours, Malachy was the club's star forward during the early 'fifties before he emigrated to the US in 1953.
He also had the distinction of representing his county.

Anastasia Leonard, Ballybay
Gaels in Ballybay lost a good friend and the GAA a good supporter with the passing of Anastasia Leonard last May.
Anatasia's big passion in life was Gaelic games.
She was an avid supporter of Ballybay Pearse Brothers and seldom missed a game.

Tony Farrelly, Ballybay
It was with a deep sense of shock and sadness that gaels in the Ballybay area learned of the sudden death of Tony Farrelly at just 56 years.
Tony had many talents, one of which was football.
He played with the Ballybay minor team in the sixties when they won many titles.
Tony was a good team player and very skilful on the football field.
He wasn't afraid to take chances when the opportunity arose and was instrumental in helping his team win many games.

Sean Morris, Latton
Sean Morris's death in late May robbed his family and the GAA of a good friend and supporter.
Sean was a very keen follower of football and in his youth played with Drumgoon.
A native of Lisnalong, he maintained an interest in GAA affairs right up until his death.

Packie Bannigan, Aughnamullen
The members of Aughnamullen club united in their sympathy for the late Packie Bannigan.
Packie made an immense contribution to the club as a player and as an official over many years of service.
Packie played on the Aughnamullen team which won the Junior championship in 1957.

Bridie Farnan, Lisnagrieve
There was deep sadness in the general Castleblayney area last June when news spread of the death of Bridie Farnan (nee Brannigan).
Bridie bore her illness with great strength and all who knew her will mourn her passing for a long time to come.
She was a very likeable lady and had a wonderful love of Gaelic football.
A guard of honour was formed by Cremartin Shamrocks GAA at her funeral.

Tom Fox, Croghan, Annyalla
The gaels of Cremartin Shamrocks joined with the family and relatives in mourning the death in mid-June last of Tom Fox.
A keen farmer and a great local with knowledge of history, Tom was also a keen follower of Gaelic games.
At the removal of his remains to St. Michael's Church, Annyalla, members of Cremartin GAA formed one of the guards of honour.

Pat McBride, Gortnacarrow
The Currin club members were saddedned to learn of the death of Pat McBride, Gortnacarrow in late June.
Pat was a long time member of the club and served on the committee for many years.

Thomas Woods, Annagh, Cremartin
Clontibret GAA lost a dear friend with the death in late July last of Thomas Woods in his 80th year.
Tom was a retired Garda and a dedicated GAA stalwart who played at midfield with Clontibret O'Neills in the 'fifties, winning a championship medal.
A guard of honour was formed by the club at Tom's removal.

Philomena McCaffrey, Currin
Currin Gaels greeted the death last July of Philomena McCaffrey with a great sense of sadness.
Philomena served as club secretary for a number of years.

William Agnew, Killeevan
The Killeevan Sarsfields club extended its sympathy to the family and relatives of William Agnew who died last July.
William, Clogher, was a former Killeevan player and excelled as a goalkeeper.
William was good enough to get his place with the county minor team.

Barney Mooney, Aughnamullen
The death of Barney Mooney at his residence in Carrickatee saddened gaels in the Aughnamullen area.
Barney had a great interest in sport and no more so than in Gaelic football.
He was a loyal supporter of the Aughnamullen Sarsfields club.

Seosamh Fields, Emyvale
Emyvale GAA lost a firm friend and a former star player with the passing of Seosamh Fields in July last.
Seosamh from Derrygasson was one of the most solid corner backs ever to play for Emyvale.
He was a regular on good Emyvale teams throughout the ‘sixties.
It was fitting that Emyvale gaels should form a guard of honour at the removal of his remains.

Eoghan MacAonghusa, Ballagh
The death last July of Eoghan MacAonghusa robbed Irish culture of a great and avid supporter and promoter.
The son of Michael McGuinness of Ballagh and Elizabeth Ward of Annagap, the death of Eoghan (Owney) brought great sadness to gaels in Monaghan, Donegal and Dublin plus Leitrim where he taught as a primary school teacher.
One of his pupils in Donegal (Bundoran) was former Donegal GAA manager Brian McEniff who attended his funeral.
"I held Owney McGuinness in great regard.
"As regards GAA, he had a dream that these young Bundoran boys playing in the school yard would one day play in Croke Park.
"He was delighted when his dream came true," McEniff said.

Tony Tighe, Clones
News of the sudden death of Cavan's three times All-Ireland SFC medallist Tony Tighe was received by a great deal of sadness in Monaghan GAA circles.
Tony had lived in Clones for the greater part of his life and his death shortly after the Cavan v Roscommon All-Ireland SFC qualifier in Hyde Park last July robbed his family of a dear loved one and the town of a hugely respected citizen.
Although he was a Cavan football legend, Tony's pleasant demeanour and friendly smile endeared him to Gaels and non-gaels alike in his adopted county.
Among the guards of honour at his removal was one formed by former Cavan county team-mates.

Molly Markey, Latton
The late Molly Markey was a great friend of a generation of players from Latton O’Rahillys who suffered ankle injuries.
Many a player was treated by Molly and recovered due to her power of the cure.
Her gift of healing earned her the praise and appreciation of the club and its supporters as well as those she treated.

Vincent Clerkin, Clones
The people of Clones and further afield were deeply shocked to learn of the death last August of Vincent Clerkin, Clonkeencole.
Vincent was a great sportsman and played Gaelic football in goal for the local St. Tighernach's club and also with the local Park team in the local street league which attracted great interest at the time.

James Duffy, Lacken, Latton
The Latton O Rahillys club expressed its deep sympathy to the family and relatives of the late James Duffy, Lacken who died last August.
The late Jim was a member of a renowned GAA family and was a former club player and loyal supporter of the O Rahillys.
A club guard of honour was formed at the removal of his remains with the club flag draping the coffin.
Jim played with both Bawn and Latton during the 'fifties.

Mairead Connolly, Carrickmacross
Mairead's (nee Gartlan) death in August saddened a lot of people and none more than the gaels of Inniskeen.
Mairead was a regular patron of the Grattans' weekly bingo sessions and was noted as a supporter of the Carrick Emmets club as well.

Charlie Connolly, Cornacassa, Monaghan
The sudden and unexpected death of 44 year old Charlie Connolly shocked everyone who knew him.
Monaghan Harps’ minor team formed a guard of honour at his funeral in appreciation of his association with the club in years past.

Joe Patton, Carrickmacross
The local Carrick Emmets club lost one of its oldest and most fervent supporters with the death last August of Joe Patton.
Joe was one of the most loyal and avid fans of the Emmets and he will be sorely missed by the club in the years to come.

John O'Connor, Thomas Street, Castleblayney
The local Faughs were united with the entire community in Castleblayney in grieving the death of John O'Connor, Thomas Street, in late August.
John was a prominent Castleblayney Faughs enthusiast and followed the club through thick and thin.

Frank O'Hanlon, Glaslough
The late Frank's death was mourned by a large number of people in the north Monaghan area and beyond, including the GAA fraternity.
Frank was an all-round athlete in his youth and excelled at a number of sports, including Gaelic football.

Maurice Garvey, Monaghan
The sympathy of the membership of the Monaghan Harps club was extended last September to the family and relatives of Maurice Garvey, Monaghan.
Maurice was a member of the Monaghan Harps team which won the Dr. Ward Cup in 1934.

Molly McKenna, Newhouses, Tyholland
The gaels of Tyholland joined with the family and relatives of Molly McKenna in mourning her passing last September.
Molly was a former stalwart of the club in years gone by and always helped out whenever she could.

Lourda Lambe, Carrickmacross
The untimely passing of Lourda Lambe, Dundalk Road, Carrickmacross left a deep sense of sadness in the Farneyside town last September.
For many years Lourda was involved with many local voluntary organisations, including Carrick Emmets.

Tommy Finnegan, Aughnamullen
Last October saw the Aughnamullen Sarsfields club lose one of their most loyal supporters with the passing of Tommy Finnegan.
Tommy rarely missed a match and took a keen interest in the development of the club's new centre and gave invaluable advice during the development work.
He was a great friend to the club and was a generous sponsor of the club lotto and Take your Pick for many years.

Philomena McCarthy, Ballybay
Ballybay Pearse Brothers GAA was all the poorer for the death of Philomena McCarthy last October.
Philomena had many interests and not least Gaelic games and her interest in the Ballybay club was obvious over the years.
Philomena actively encouraged her sons to become involved in all sports, including GAA.
Her support for the Pearse Brothers was acknowledged by the local club in their staging of a guard of honour at Philomena's removal.

Tommy Moen, Ballybay
The unexpected death last October of Tommy Moen saddened a lot of gaels in Ballybay and elsewhere.
In his younger days, along with his late brother Paddy, Tommy played football with the Pearse Brothers and was considered a very good team player.
He was part of several winning Ballybay teams and following his retirement continued to support and follow the fortunes of the club.
A guard of honour was organised by the Pearse Brothers for his removal.

Gloria Corrigan, Emyvale
Emyvale GAA members were numbed last October when news broke of the death of one of its most popular young members, Gloria Corrigan.
Gloria was one of the hardest workers in the club and was a member of the ladies football team.
Her loss to her family and relatives and to the Emyvale club will be felt for many years to come.

Bernard Toal, Castleblayney
The death of Bernard 'Barney' Toal in London last October was greeted with great regret by a lot of people in his native Castleblayney.
Bernard was very popular in his native town before emigrating to England.
In his youth he took a great interest in the local Faughs and followed them around the county.

Thomas McKenna, Moyles, Monaghan
The unexpected passing of Thomas McKenna on October 12th last shocked not only his family and relations but a whole host of gaels from around the greater Monaghan area.
Thomas was an avid follower of hurling and Gaelic football and was a keen supporter of Clontibret O'Neills GAA.

Patricia Burns, Castleblayney
The death of Patricia Burns in late October last robbed the GAA of an avid supporter particularly in 'Blayney and Donaghmoyne.
The late Patricia was prominent in support of many social circles and groups, including the GAA with which her husband Leo was once a high ranking official in Monaghan.

Phil McCaul, Aughnamullen
The late Phil was one of the club's most outstanding servants down the years and will be sadly missed by the Sarsfields.
Phil was a Hall of Fame award winner in the club and was a loyal and consistent supporter during the good and lean times.

Peter McGuigan, Knocknacrann, Magheracloone
The sudden death of Peter McGuigan in late October was lamented by his family, relations and friends, including his club colleagues at Magheracloone GFC.
Peter was a keen Mitchells suppporter, having played for the successful under 14 team of 1954 which scooped the Fr. McHugh Cup.
Peter followed the club for many years and was in his element when Magheracloone won the county senior title for the first time.
He was also a keen supporter of the Monaghan team and made the journey to Croke Park many times.
A guard of honour was performed by Magheracloone Mitchells at Peter's removal.