Dr Gearoid Boyle (Lough Lene Gaels): Dublin-based dentist Gearoid, who died on January 20 at the age of just 42, hailed from a well-known hurling family in Collinstown. He excelled for both club and county, particularly at underage level. Indeed, there are many who believe he was the finest underage talent the Lough Lene Gaels club has ever produced. Gearoid was one of a generation of gifted young hurlers who brought great success to his club in the underage grades in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His brother Raymond also featured in many of those successes. The deceased represented his county at under 14, 16 and minor level. With Lough Lene Gaels, he won the following honours: premier minor championship 1984 and '85; premier under 16 championship 1981, '82 and '83; premier under 14 championship: 1977, '80 and '81; Feile na nGael 1981; under 14 league 1980. He also made an appearance as a substitute in Lough Lene Gaels' senior championship final defeat to neighbours Brownstown in 1985. Due to his studies, Gearoid was forced to step away from hurling but his love for the game never diminished. A guard of honour was provided by Lough Lene Gaels members for this much admired hurler at his funeral in Collinstown, while club and county jerseys were also placed on his coffin. Libran O'Brien (Tyrrellspass): Libran was part of a well-known GAA family in Tyrrellspass who was predeceased by his brothers Martin and Jack in the past three years. A former proprietor of the popular Five Lamps pub close to Croke Park, he was a talented footballer in his younger days and represented both Tyrrellspass and St. Mary's, Rochfortbridge at minor and under 21 level. However, he never got to fulfil his potential in the senior grade due to an injury he sustained in school. He was a very loyal supporter of his local clubs and Westmeath's county teams. The last game which he attended was the county senior football championship semi-final between Tyrrellspass and Castledaly last October. Gerry Cunningham (Ballymore): One of the founders of Scor in Ballymore, Gerry's death took place on the morning of the Leinster Scor na nOg finals which were staged by his home club last January. If it wasn't for Gerry's vision, the chances are that Ballymore would never have hosted such a major event. Peter Corrigan (Ringtown): Peter's passing following a long illness on January 5 last has left a huge void in Ringtown hurling club and the local community. Aged just 44, he was the youngest of a family steeped in the GAA. Like his brothers Christy, Tony and Michael John, he was proud to wear the Ringtown jersey, but a promising hurling career was tragically cut short in 1982 when he was seriously injured in a motor cycle accident. Prior to then, he had featured prominently for St. Mary's CBS, Mullingar in both hurling and football, and was a member of the Ringtown under 21 and junior teams, for who he displayed a particular talent for free-taking. Despite being no longer able to play hurling, Peter maintained his interest in the Ringtown club by attending matches and supporting fundraising events and social functions. In the past decade or so, he was deeply involved in many local projects. These included the 40th anniversary celebrations for Whitehall National School, which he attended, in 1998, and the compilation of Ringtown's history, which was launched in 2002 to coincide with the club's centenary. He was also played a leading role in the development of the Ringtown club complex, helping to organise many fundraising events. He served as club chairman in 2006 and 2007, and was highly supportive of the club's underage structures. Watching his daughter Aisling and son Emmet displaying their skills on the camogie and hurling fields brought him immense pride and joy. Peter's brother Michael John is a former chairman of the Westmeath hurling board, while his sisters Catherine and Josephine played camogie for Crookedwood. Brigid Curran (Clonkill): A lifelong Clonkill supporter, Brigid passed away in her 90th year last summer. She was the mother of Peter and Jimmy Curran, who are synonymous with the Clonkill club. A former county star, Peter has proven to be a highly successful coach and manager, and also invented the indoor hurling stick which has helped to promote underage hurling throughout the country. Pierce Butler (St. Loman's): A native of Carrickedmond, Co. Longford, Pierce was a stalwart of the St. Loman's club and was also in charge of stewarding at Cusack Park on match days. He was St. Loman's chairman at the time of his passing following a relatively short illness last December, and is credited with overseeing the club's recent developments, including the installation of their new floodlights and Prunty pitch. In his younger days, Pierce played with Carrickedmond and was on the same team as well-known Longford players, Mickey Reilly and Sean Murray. He later played with St. Loman's on joining the club in 1969, and was also involved with Loughnavalley during his brief time living in Killare. Despite his involvement with the GAA in his adopted county, Pierce never forgot his Longford roots, and a blue and gold victory over Westmeath gave him immense pleasure and satisfaction. But what he is best remembered for was his great sense of humour, generous nature and total dedication to St. Loman's. His vision for the future, emphasis on the importance of underage development and fundraising ability has ensured St. Loman's place as one of the most progressive and successful clubs in Westmeath both on and off the field. Henry Bryan (Walsh Island): Henry was the father of outgoing Killucan secretary Pat and grandfather of Killucan goalkeeper David Bryan, who also kept goal for the Westmeath under 21 team last year. Henry was also the father of legendary Walsh Island and Offaly midfielder Willie Bryan, who won All-Ireland medals in 1971 and '72 and was recently inducted into Offaly GAA's Hall of Fame. Dr Liam Harris (Castletown-Geoghegan): The Castletown-Geoghegan club lost yet another of its most dedicated members last July with the passing of Dr. Liam Harris. A native of Littleton, Co. Cork and a former Harty Cup player with the famous North Mon, he was synonymous with Castletown-Geoghegan hurling from 1972 until he took ill. The well-known and highly respected GP acted as a selector when Castletown captured the senior hurling championship in 1986. Considering that as many as 10 of the Castletown team were in New York at the time, it was certainly a victory achieved against the odds. He was also a selector with the last Castletown team to raise the Examiner Cup in 2004. Liam's medical skills were never more tested than in the 1983 junior final between Castletown and Raharney which the black and ambers won after two replays. These were bruising encounters to say the least and Liam could be seen stitching players and getting them ready to go back into the fray. He was always willing to treat players from the opposition, as well as those from his adopted club. Liam acted as Westmeath senior hurling team doctor for a number of years, and was very proud to be the medic when the Lake County won the inaugural Christy Ring Cup in 2005. He was also the St. Malachy's team doctor when they won the senior football championship in 1981. Liam will forever be remembered in Casltetown-Geoghegan as 'The Doc'. The cigar was his trademark and he could be seen regularly patrolling the sidelines with a pall of smoke rising to the heavens. Dympna Farrell (Ringtown): Dympna's family have a long association with the Ringtown club. Her husband Jimmy, who predeceased her in 1980, hurled with the club and was a team mentor for many years. Indeed, the site on which Ringtown's grounds are developed in Whitehall was formerly owned by the Farrell family. Iggy Fulham (Rathowen): Iggy's passing at the age of 52 was much regretted by Gaels throughout Westmeath. An affable individual, Iggy was a retired Sergeant with the 4th Art, Reg., Mullingar, but was best known across the midlands for his great interest in football as a referee, coach and trainer. He refereed in Westmeath for many years, and one of his cherished memories was taking charge of the All-Ireland Psychiatric Hospitals final between St. Ita's, Portrane and St. Davnet's Monaghan at Croke Park in the early 1980s. Iggy was an extremely popular schools coach, and made a big contribution in this area over several decades. He was held in high esteem by school teachers and all involved with GAA coaching. Among the teams he coached was the all-conquering 1999 Westmeath under 16 side. Many of that team went on to win Leinster minor medals in 2000. Along with his father PJ, who is a former Westmeath county board chairman and is synonymous with camogie nationwide, Iggy also coached the Longford hurlers to win a NHL Division 4 title two decades ago. Patrick Masterson (Castlepollard): The people of North Westmeath were saddened to learn of the death of former Castlepollard and Ballycomoyle player Paddy Masterson last September. Paddy's life was tragically taken from him following a road accident in Abbeylara, Co. Longford as he returned from work. Paddy took a great interest in both hurling and football. He was a fine footballer with Ballycomoyle and had played under 12, 14, 16, minor and junior hurling with 'Pollard before his career was cut short by a knee injury. There is little doubt that he would have gone on to win senior honours with 'The Town' but for this unfortunate occurrence. Paddy and his family came to Castlepollard's rescue in 2003 when they made a field adjacent to their home in Robinstown available for training while the club's pitch was being re-seeded. But for this fine gesture, it's unlikely that 'Pollard would have lifted the Examiner Cup that year. Paddy was always the heart and soul of the party and never was this more so the case than after 'Pollard's championship successes. The celebration could not be held without the great 'Paddy Ma' on bodhran and sing-along with his many friends from the surrounding areas. Dr Michael Kelly (Mullingar): Originally from Ballygar on the Galway-Roscommon border, Michael was a passionate GAA man and as well as supporting his native Galway, he cheered on his adopted county and his wife Jackie's native Tyrone. James Drumm (Delvin): A respected member of the farming community, Jimmy played hurling for Delvin in the 1950s and later ran as a candidate for the local elections on the Fine Gael ticket. His daughter Julie McCrossan managed the Lough Lene Gaels under 12 camogie team last year. Alan Orme (Crookedwood): Alan's death following a long illness bravely borne caused great shock and sadness in the Crookedwood area. Aged just 31, he was a member of a well-known hurling family in the 'Wood. However, his hurling career was cut short nine years ago by the onset of illness. A quiet and unassuming young man, Alan began his hurling career in the half back line before moving to midfield in 1995 where he partnered the long-serving Stephen Leavy. He contributed to Crookedwood's victory in the 1997 Intermediate Cup final in Cusack Park when he played alongside his brothers Derek and John. Before his illness, Alan was always available to repair and adjust hurls for the local hurling and camogie players. Mick Boyce (Loughnavalley): From Killare, Mick lived in the area all his life. He played football with the 'Valley in the 1940s and 1950s, and was a member of the team that captured the 1950 junior football championship following a replay triumph over Multyfarnham. Mick had a very pleasant manner and always wore a cap. Jimmy Fagan (Brownstown): A huge void has been left in Archerstown following the death of Jimmy 'The Knave' Fagan last April. A colourful character, Jimmy was a lifelong member of Brownstown hurling club. He played in goal during the 1940s and later served a variety of roles, including manager and fundraiser. But he is best remembered as a brilliant storyteller and for his performances on the stage. Such was the high esteem in which he was held as a storyteller that he was regularly visited by university professors who sought to further their knowledge about old customs and "the way things were" in rural Ireland. The popular octogenarian was a Leinster champion in the Pioneer Total Abstinence Recitation competition on four occasions, and also competed successfully for Brownstown in Scor. The emergence of Brownstown as a major force on the Westmeath hurling scene in the 1930s led to Jimmy and others setting up a drama group in Archerstown to help raise funds. He recalled in a 2004 interview: "Hurling was our breakfast, dinner and tea in Archerstown at that time. "When Brownstown started going well, funds had to be raised and as the priest wouldn't allow dances, we decided to set up a drama group. We'd have our production ready for the start of Lent and over the next six Sundays, we'd perform in the surrounding villages of Clonmellon, Delvin, Crossakiel, Moylagh and Collinstown. There would be drama groups in those villages as well and they'd all come to perform in Archerstown." Joe Burke (Cullion): A native of Walshestown, Mullingar, Joe was a highly regarded tradesman who played hurling with Cullion during his younger years. He won several medals with them, and also took a keen interest in Irish music, playing both the accordion and bodhran. Danny Devine (Castlepollard and Ringtown): Danny played hurling for both Castlepollard and Ringtown, finishing his playing career with the Whitehall-based club. He remained an avid hurling fan right up to the time of his death last March. Eileen Hennessy (Kilbeggan); Eileen, who died in tragic circumstances last July, was a former secretary of the Kilbeggan Shamrocks club, with which her family have had a long association. James Kelly (Mullingar): James was a noted businessman in Mullingar for many years. He was predeceased by his son Ben, who was chairman of St. Oliver Plunkett's hurling club and Westmeath minor board secretary at the time of his death in 2003. The minor hurling championship cup has since been named after Ben. Johnny Murray (Moate): Johnny was vice-president of the Moate All-Whites club at the time of his passing last April. He was the father of former Westmeath players Pat and John Murray, and Denis, who played alongside Pat and John on successful Moate teams. His daughter Marie is a former All-Ireland champion in Scor. Although not actively involved in the affairs of the club in recent years, Johnny is best remembered for overseeing the stewarding at Hogan Park on match days. Moate club members formed a guard of honour at the removal of his remains. Nellie Harkin (Tang): Nellie was a pillar of the community in Tang, being involved with the local pipe band, Macra na Feirme, church choir and GAA to name but four organisations. She was a former secretary of Tang GAA, and worked in Longford County Council for over 25 years. When local derbies between Westmeath and Longford occurred, Nellie joked that she wouldn't be able to go to work for a week if her beloved Westmeath lost. Michael Malone (Delvin): An apprentice construction plant fitter at Tara Mines in Navan, 21-year-old Michael died following a long illness bravely borne on June 1 last. He played hurling for Delvin at all levels, and was also involved with the local Deel Rangers Tug-o-War club, winning All-Ireland under 21 and under 23 gold medals with them. Christy Gorman (St. Loman's): A native of Streete, Christy lived in Mullingar for over 60 years where he worked as a psychiatric nurse in St. Loman's. He was deeply involved with the St. Loman's club, and played with them for many years. Christy was a keen Westmeath supporter and was a founding member of Westmeath Community Games, which he was involved in for 37 years. Cllr Tom Cowley (Kilbeggan): Tom was a great friend to the Kilbeggan Shamrocks club. Since his death last May, his seat on Westmeath County Council has been taken by former Kilbeggan goalkeeper and secretary Paul Daly. Joe Scally (Streamstown): A native of Mullingar, Joe lived in Streamstown for many years and founded the Streamstown Harriers in 1974. He was a talented footballer in his younger days, and was a member of the Loughnavalley team which won the junior football championship in 1950, beating Multyfarnham after a replay. Betty Farrelly (Delvin): Originally from Rathowen, Betty was well known by young and old in her adopted Delvin. With her husband Johnnie involved in the local club for many years, Betty was also a familiar face in GAA circles and could always be found on the sidelines at matches supporting her sons and grandsons on the pitch. Patsy Meara (Caulry): Patsy was an ever-present figure at matches involving the Mount Temple-based club, and was also a great supporter of the county football team. Larry McGrath (Clonkill); Clonkill mourned the loss of its president Larry McGrath last June. Aged 95, Larry was a key member of the club's three-in-a-row senior championship winning team of the 1940s. After his playing career ended, he maintained a keen interest and there was nobody prouder than him in February 2008 when his beloved Clonkill were crowned All-Ireland intermediate club champions at Croke Park. Kyran Smyth (Brownstown): Kyran's passing at the age of 52 caused widespread shock and sadness in the North Westmeath area. Pre-deceased by his daughter Patricia, who was a noted camogie player with Delvin and Westmeath, Kieran was a member of the great Brownstown hurling team of the 1970s, winning two senior championships in 1977 and '78. His daughters Eileen, the late Patricia and Maria all inherited his love for the game. Like Patricia, Eileen has played camogie for Delvin and Westmeath, as well as ladies football for Rochfortbridge and Westmeath. Maria, meanwhile, lined out at midfield on the Brownstown camogie team which won last year's junior championship. Frank Dowd (Mullingar): Frank, from Ginnell Terrace, was one of Mullingar's best-known characters. A former P&T employee (now Eircom), he had a great love for GAA, soccer and music. He supported his local club Mullingar Shamrocks and regularly socialised at their Springfield clubhouse. Christy Maher Snr (Ballynacargy): Christy, who passed away last November, was a pillar of the community in Ballynacargy. Born and reared in the area, he and his wife Maureen reared nine children and they always remained a close-knit family. As well as being an active member of the Ballynacargy Resource Centre, he was a great supporter of Ballynacargy GAA, for which his sons Christy Jnr, Gerard, Padraig, Ronnie, David and Brendan all played. Christy also had a great love of traditional music and attended Fleadh Ceoil on a regular basis. JJ Ruane (Loughnavalley): A native of Bangor Erris, Co. Mayo, JJ came to live in Ballinea many years ago along with his wife Anne, who he met in the US. He was one of the founder members of Loughnavalley GAA club, and was deeply involved with the club up until his death. He loved attending matches and was also Loughnavalley's county board delegate for a number of years. His sons Sean and Colm are both key members of the Loughnavalley junior team at present. Molly Scally (Rahugh): Molly, who died over the Christmas period, was the mother of former Tyrrellspass player and chairman Des Scally, and the grandmother of current Tyrrellspass and Westmeath footballer Keith Scally. Mick Fitzsimons (Ringtown): Mick was a legendary figure within Ringtown hurling circles and at 96 was almost as old as the club itself. A lifelong club member, he played in the 1930s and 1940s, winning a junior championship medal in 1941 and a senior championship medal the following year. He lined out at centre half back in the 1942 success which was one of the most celebrated in Ringtown's history. Since the club reformed in 1973, Mick was one of its most dedicated supporters and took immense delight from their senior triumphs in 1980 and '87. Although he resided in Mullingar for many years, he never lost touch with Ringtown or his native Whitehall. In recent years, he was a regular seller of the club's fortnightly lotto tickets. Ringtown club members formed a guard of honour at his removal to St. Paul's Church, Mullingar - a fitting tribute to one of the club's greatest stalwarts. Dick Heffernan (Turin): Dick, who was 87, was an ardent supporter of Turin hurling and St. Munna's camogie clubs. The father of Turin hurling stalwart and former Westmeath senior team mentor Richie Heffernan, Dick also followed the progress of the Westmeath footballers and hurlers with great interest. Mick Wyer (Rahugh): Mick, who lived beside Rahugh National School all his life, was the father of Tyrrellspass GAA stalwart Tom Wyer. Like all of his family, he was an avid Westmeath supporter and proudly flew the maroon and white flag when the footballers were involved in big matches. Hubert Moran (Mullingar): Throughout his life, Hubert enjoyed football and was a keen Westmeath supporter. He looked forward to and enjoyed the big games in Cusack Park, Croke Park and other venues where he made a lot of friends with similar interests. Peter Reilly (Castlepollard): Castlepollard hurling club lost one of its oldest and more dedicated members on November 12 last when Peter passed away. A native of Leitrim, he lived in England for 25 years before moving to Coole and then to nearby Castlepollard. A past president of the club, Peter played a leading role in the rejuvenation of the Castlepollard underage scene in the 1970s. Many of the current senior players and those who played in the 1980s and 1990s owe a great deal to Peter, who put a huge amount of effort and time into promoting the game. Along with Pat Joe Boylan, Moss Finglas (both deceased) and Danny McLoughlin, he got the Castlepollard Street Leagues up and running during the 1980s. These were a great success with up to 120 young hurlers involved. Peter would always make his car available during those years, and would regularly 'squeeze' four or five years hurlers into the back of his Ford Escort, with Pat Joe sitting alongside him in the front discussing tactics. Peter helped organise trips to Graignamanagh, Co. Kilkenny and Ballygunner, Co. Waterford, and was very proud of his son Thomas who represented 'Pollard at all levels. He was also a great supporter of Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall and attended many games right up to his illness. Margaret Boyle (Raharney): Maggie was the grandmother of Killucan and Westmeath senior footballer Francis Boyle, who also plays hurling for Raharney. A minute's silence was observed for Maggie before last July's All-Ireland footballer qualifier between Westmeath and Tyrone in Omagh. Ollie McLoughlin (Castledaly): Ollie was a stalwart of Castledaly GAA, but sadly didn't live to see them lift the senior football championship for the first time. While he was Castledaly to the core, he also played for Moate All-Whites prior to the reformation of the Castledaly club. Johnny Ward (Rosemount): Westmeath Gaels mourned the death of this former Rosemount and county football star in January. A member of the Westmeath team that lost the 1949 Leinster senior final to Meath, Johnny was a skilful forward who thrilled supporters with his exciting play. Johnny, who had been in ailing health for some time, would have celebrated his 85th birthday in February. He was one of the stars of the Westmeath 1949 team, and of the great Rosemount team of that era which won a three-in-a-row of senior championships in 1951, '52 and '53. He also enjoyed outdoor life and was a postman in his younger days, his mother being the local postmistress. Johnny continued to follow the fortunes of Westmeath football throughout his life and was remembered before this year's opening National League game against Galway when a minute's silence was observed. Peter Gavin (Castledaly): Peter featured prominently with the Castledaly team for a number of years and regularly attended club meetings. A true gentleman and staunch GAA man, he was another of the Castledaly stalwarts who sadly didn't live to see the club's maiden senior championship success. Jimmy Cannon (Coralstown/Kinnegad): Jimmy was a member of a well-known GAA family in Kinnegad and took a great interest in the local Coralstown/Kinnegad club. Michael Allen (Athlone): A native of Mount Temple, Michael hailed from a well-known GAA and musical family. His brothers Tom (TR Dallas) and Tony Allen, who is one half of Foster and Allen, are legendary figures on the Irish music scene. Predeceased by his wife Maisie and the father of five boys and one girl, he worked with the ESB before emigrating to London in 1956. During his time in the English capital, he became involved with London GAA and also managed local dancehalls. Michael returned to live in Athlone in the 1970s and became a dedicated member of the local GAA club. A number of his sons have played for the Shannonsiders, including Philip who is a current member of their senior side. Peter Reilly (Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall): A native of Leitrim, Peter gave many years of sterling service to Castletown-Finea and was the club's president at the time of his death. He came to live in Coole in the early 1970s after returning from England and quickly immersed himself in the club's activities. He put in a huge amount of work with the underage teams and also served as a selector with the intermediate team. His skill as a shoe repairer meant that he made many pairs of football boots last long past their sell-by-date, and never charged players a penny for his services. Bill Lowry (Maryland): Bill, who lived in Walderstown all his life, was a brother of well-known Maryland club member Tom Lowry. At a very young age, he discovered he had a gift for water divining and divined for water in Maryland and Tang GAA grounds, as well as in Athlone IT, Moate Community College, Portlick Park and Killcleagh Park Hotel. Joe Creavin (Athlone): Joe, from Beechpark West, was a great follower of Athlone and a staunch member of the club. Michael Rooney (St. Malachy's): Michael was a former player with St. Malachy's and was an extremely popular member of the Dysart/Castletown-Geoghegan club. Joe Cosgrave (Lough Lene Gaels): Joe, who died in the US early this year, was a member of a well-known GAA family in Collinstown and was an outstanding player for Lough Lene Gaels and Westmeath in various grades of hurling in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Tadhg Foley (Kerry): Former Westmeath hurling board chairman Billy Foley was bereaved by the death of his father Tadhg earlier this year. Billy stepped down as hurling board chairman last December after three years in the role, and is now minor secretary of Brownstown. Mick Fox (Tang and Kilbeggan): A native of Tang, Mick was involved in setting up the local club in the mid-1960s. After moving to Kilbeggan, he became involved with the Shamrocks, particularly at underage level. His sons Padraig, Micheal and Fiachra have all played for Kilbeggan in the recent past, while daughter Eimear won junior and intermediate championship medals with the Kilbeggan ladies a few years ago. Lynn Sammon (Tubberclair): Lynn was a great servant and a president of Tubberclair with many family connections still within the club. Paula Gaynor (Athlone): Paula, whose maiden name was Jackson, was mother to Athlone club members Kenneth and Scott Gaynor. As a mark of respect, the club's minor and junior fixtures in mid-March 2009 were postponed. Tom Parker (Tubberclair and Caulry): Tom played for Caulry in the 1940s before joining Tubberclair, who he dedicated many years to. A former president of Tubberclair GAA, Tom's son John is well-known in local GAA circles, having coached the Marist College, Athlone team for many years. Maureen Gaffney (Castlepollard): Maureen's death in April 2009 caused widespread sadness in North Westmeath. She was one of Castlepollard hurling club's longest and most dedicated members, and attended all matches along with her late husband Jack. She ensured that the 'Pollard players were always well turned out by washing the jerseys, while she was also a great supporter of the club's bingo and weekly lotto draw. Maureen's daughters Helen and Margaret are members of the club's committee, while her sons Pat, Bruno, Sean and Ollie are all avid followers of the club. Pat, who represented 'Pollard at all levels and is a noted hurley mender, is the current caretaker of the clubhouse. Bruno also hurled for the club and is former junior team selector. Maureen's grandchild Robert and nephew Sean McLoughlin have played for both club and county, with the latter being one of Westmeath's top hurlers during the 1990s. Philip Reilly (Lough Lene Gaels): Aged just 44, Philip was a talented hurler with the Gaels, lining out for the club from 1976 to '86. He achieved many successes with the Collinstown outfit and also represented his county at under 14, 16 and minor level. Paddy Whelehan (Killucan): Paddy was a staunch supporter of Killucan GAA for many years, and was the club's president at the time of his death. He was a passionate football man and was a regular in Croke Park down the years. Tweet

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