Leitrim GAA Sponsors Recently Bereaved

Leitrim GAA wishes to convey its sincerest sympathies to two separate families which have been associated with sponsorship of our activities and have suffered recent bereavements.

To the Dolan family of the Bush Hotel, Ck-on-Shannon, long-time and recent main sponsor of Leitrim GAA we extend our sympathies on the death of Martin Dolan, formerly of Cortober, Ck-on-Shannon, who died on June 25th in China. Martin’s Funeral Mass took place today, July 27th at 12 noon in St. Michael’s Church, Drumlion, Carrick-on-Shannon followed by burial of Ashes in Ardcarne Cemetery.

Heartfelt sympathies to his wife Irina, daughter Naomi, brothers Jim, Joe & David, sister Marion, extended family and friends.

To the McCartin Family, Newtowngore, we extend our sympathies on the death of Ann McCartin on July 26th. Her son John, Newtowngore Engineering, is the sponsor of the Leitrim Under 17 Competitions over the past two seasons. Anne will be missed by her husband Joe, son John, daughter-in-law Edel, grandchildren Olwyn, Eábha, Doireann, John and Tiernan, her sister Marie McCartin, brother Eamon, brother-in-law Tommy, sister-in-law May, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

https://rip.ie/death-notice/anne-mccartin-newtowngore-leitrim/394429

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh siad.

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The Late Fr. Joe Dolan, St. Columban’s, Dalgan Park, Navan and late of Aughnasheelin, Co. Leitrim

Leitrim GAA wishes to pass on its sympathies to the family of the late Fr Joe Dolan, St. Columban’s, Dalgan Park, Navan and late of Aughnasheelin, Co. Leitrim, who passed to his eternal reward on Sunday 7th July 2019. Joe was former Leitrim footballer and played with Leitrim in the Connacht Championship of 1959, one of the many years of that era that Leitrim reached the Connacht Championship Final. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

Full funeral details can be found here

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1994 Heroes honoured at Connacht Football Final

At yesterday’s 2019 Connacht Senior Football Championship Final, the guests of honour were the members of the 1994 Leitrim Senior Football Panel, management team and back-room staff. Connacht GAA Council were honouring them on the Silver Jubilee occasion of that historic victory over Mayo which occurred on July 24th, 1994, a day which brought such joy to all Leitrim people at home and abroad. The players and management were introduced to the crowd between the two matches at Salthill, and were later feted at a function at the Galway Bay Hotel, where they were introduced by County Secretary of the time, Tommy Moran, and presented with crystal momentoes to commemorate the historic landmark of landing Leitrim’s second Connacht Championship and bridging a gap of 67 years back to the only other Senior Championship success of 1927.

Back Row Left to right: Ollie Honeyman (Selector), Frank Darcy (Dublin Trainer), Joe Reynolds (Selector), Brendan Guckian, Thomas Quinn, Donal Smith, Brian Duignan, Martin Prior, Martin McGlynn (representing Colin McGlynn), Brian Breen, Liam Conlon, Martin McHugh, Paul Kieran, Pat Donohoe, George Dugdale, Mickey Quinn, Seamus Quinn and Noel Moran.

Front Row Left to Right: Padraig McLoughlin, Killian McLoughlin, Ciaran Mahon, Aiden Holohan, Fergal Reynolds, John O Mahony (Manager), Declan Darcy (Captain), Joe Honeyman, Aiden Rooney, Gerry Flanagan, Padraig Kenny.

Jason Ward, a member of that panel, was unavoidably absent on Sunday but had met with the players on Saturday night, and Colin McGlynn was on holidays in the USA.

On Sunday, journalist Tommy Conlon, a native of Ballinamore and brother of team member Liam Conlon, wrote a fine piece in the day’s Sunday Independent, which captured the essence of the achievement that was 1994. You can read the article here

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The Late Oliver Casserly, Ballgawley, Co Sligo and formerly Bornacoola, Co Leitrim.

Leitrim GAA wishes to convey its sincere sympathies to the family of the late Oliver Casserly, Ballgawley, Co Sligo and formerly Bornacoola, Co Leitrim, who passed to his eternal reward on Thursday last, following a short illness. Oliver was a great Leitrim supporter over the years and was a staunch member of the Sligo Branch of the Leitrim GAA Supporters Club. He worked extremely hard in his promotion of all Leitrim GAA fundraising in the greater Sligo area and indeed beyond over many years and shared and enjoyed in our greatest days in the 1990’s and indeed the Connacht Championship win of 1994 was a great source of pride for Oliver in his adopted county. It is particularly poignant that on the very day that the Leitrim heroes of 1994 will be honoured at the Connacht SFC Final 25th Anniversary, Oliver will be laid to rest in Sligo.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Noeleen, children Sarah, Emma, Colm and Jane, and his thirteen grandchildren, sons-in-law Ciaran, Conor and Kevin and daughter-in-law Noreen, sisters-in-law Mary, Joan and Patricia (RIP) and brothers-in-law Gerard, Joseph (RIP) and Nicholas (RIP), neighbours, relatives and friends.

Remains reposing at his family home on Saturday, 15th June, 4-9 pm. Funeral Mass on Sunday, 16th June, at 4pm in The Church of the Assumption, Sooey, with burial afterwards in Sooey Cemetery. House private on Sunday morning.

Family flowers only, donations in lieu, if desired, to Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation C/o McGowan Funeral Directors, Dromod. Donation box in Church.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dìlis

Please note there will be a one way traffic system in operation to family home with entrance from Ballygawley Cross. Follow directional signs.

 

 

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The Late Gerry Nangle, Park Lodge, Castleknock, Dublin 15 and formerly of Cornaroy, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim

Leitrim GAA is saddened to hear of the death of the late Gerry Nangle, Castleknock, Dublin and formerly of Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim, who passed to his eternal reward on Thursday last April 25th.

Gerry was a retired successful Dublin publican who never lost touch with his Leitrim roots. He was a lifelong member of the Dublin Branch of the Leitrim GAA Supporters Club and was an everpresent at the gathering of Leitrim Supporters for the Dublin launch of the fundraising event in January of each year. He loved meeting people at these gatherings and was a familiar friendly face to all comers with a word for everyone. He followed the fortunes of the Leitrim Football team all over the country and was most thrilled with the progress shown by the team in this year’s Allianz League promotion run. Gerry was a true Green and Gold Supporter and even if the fortunes of the teams were dipping, as has been experienced on many other occasions, he never had anything but a word of encouragement for their efforts and would applaud the energy of the lads equally in victory and more importantly in defeat, refusing to criticise the team in any eventuality.

We extend our sympathies to his wife Kathleen, sons Gerard and Finbarr, daughters Caitriona and Paula. Gerry will be sadly missed by his loving wife, sons, daughters, daughter-in-law Lesley, grandchildren Paul and Orla, brothers Shane, Mel, Frank and Brian, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Funeral Arrangements – Reposing at Cunningham’s Funeral Home, Church Avenue, Blanchardstown on Sunday afternoon from 4.00 O’Clock with removal to The Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, Laurel Lodge, Castleknock arriving for Mass at 6.00 O’Clock. Removal on Monday morning to St. Patrick’s Church, Drumshambo, Co. Leitrim arriving for Requiem Mass at 12.00 noon followed by burial in The New Cemetery, Drumshambo. Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, to The Irish Cancer Society.

 

 

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GAA/Croke Park staff ‘Croker2Carrick’ Friday April 26

The distance of the cycle is approximately 160km, and it will take 40 staff members from under the Michael Cusack statue in Croke Park all the way to Avantcard Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada in County Leitrim. Along the way they will be stopping for the ‘tae’ in Enfield in County Meath and Bunbrosna in County Westmeath. So please lend your support if you pass them on their cross-country spin!

This is their third charity cycle with ‘Tour de Thurles’ in 2017 and ‘Rollin2Nowlan’ in 2018. Those two events combined raised a total of €42,500 – which is phenomenal!

The main aim of the game this year is to raise funds and awareness for the five official GAA charities for 2019: Western Alzheimers, Down Syndrome Ireland, Marie Keating Foundation, Enable Ireland, and Focus Ireland.

The cyclists are expected to arrive at Avantcard Páirc Seán at 5pm and all are invited to welcome them to Carrick.

Full details are attached here

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2019 Leitrim Supporters Club Draw Results

Leitrim GAA Supporters Club Draw 2019 Results

1st Prize €5,000

Barry Kerr, Leitrim Gaels GAA Club.

2nd Prize  €2,000

Nicholas McWeeney, St Mary’s Kiltoghert GAA Club.

3rd Prize €1,000

Una Connolly, 7 Ravensdale Park, Dublin 12.

4th Prize €1,000

Declan Bohan, Bornacoola GAA Club.

5th Prize 2 Nights B & B + 1 Evening Meal for 2 at Hollyrood Hotel

Frank Reynolds Senior, Longford Road, Ballinalee. Co Longford.

6th Prize 2 Nights B&B for 2 at Lough Rynn Castle Hotel

Maurice Foley, New York.

7th Prize 2 All-Ireland Final Football Tickets

Patrick Feely, Larkfield Road, Manorhamilton.

8th Prize 2 All-Ireland Final Hurling Tickets

Diarmuid, Riona, Eimear, Senan, Megan, Aille, Síofra, c/o PJ Meehan Kiltubrid GAA

9th Prize €100

Rory O Connor, c/o Murtagh’s Bar, Ck-on-Shannon.

10th Prize €100

Phil McGowan, Kinlough, Melvin Gaels GAA.

11th Prize €100

Niamh Reynolds Delaney, c/o Bornacoola GAA Club.

12th Prize €100

Aiden and Aine McEvoy, Shercock, Co Cavan.

Bonus Prize Chocolate Hamper, worth €150, sponsored by Damien Gilheaney, Aughnasheelin and Butler’s Chocolate.

Catherine Williams, 22 Millbrook, Kinlough, Melvin Gaels GAA Club.

Appreciation

Leitrim GAA would like to congratulate all the winners and we thank all patrons who supported the draw by either buying or selling tickets over the past couple of months.

We wish to record our grateful appreciation to our sponsors, without whose assistance this venture would not be possible.

Main Sponsor – Cox’s Steakhouse, Dromod.

Other Sponsors  – Westlink Coaches, Drumshanbo; Kevin Quinn, Embassy Rooms, Sligo; ScanMe Ltd. Sheila Briody, Longford; Gerry O Rourke, Longford; Gerry Murray, Sligo; Rosebank Retail Park, Carrick-on-Shannon; Lough Rynn Castle Hotel; Hollyrood Hotel, Bundoran.

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Allianz League Final Croke Park Ticket Arrangements

UPDATE 12pm Monday –

Please Note that it’s now RESERVED Seating in Croke Park

The following has been announced:

Adult Stand €25
Juvenile Stand €5  (NOTE: Cusack Stand only)
Students/Oap €15  (Concession on Cusack stand tickets at Block D with valid ID)


Our final  is confirmed for 3pm on Saturday as part of a double header with the Division 2 final.

 

Attached is a list of shops and venues in Leitrim and surrounding counties that will have tickets for the Allianz Division 4 Final from next Monday, March 25th.

Rúnaí Attracta O Reilly will also have tickets for anyone wishing to purchase them from the Leitrim GAA County Board. Text Attracta at 086-1708499 or email secretary.leitrim@gaa.ie if you wish to be placed on a list for tickets.

There will also have a two-hour open evening on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th next week from 5pm to 7pm in Avantcard Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada for anyone who wishes to purchase tickets without previously having booked them.

 

 

Musgrave – 1549, SV, SUPERVALU, Manorhamilton Leitrim
Musgrave – 239, SV, Ballinamore – Donohoe Leitrim
Musgrave – 365, SV, Carrick-on-Shannon Leitrim
Musgrave – 1024, CT, Centra, Drumshambo Leitrim
Musgrave – 997, SV, Cavan – Tarpey Cavan
Musgrave -SV,Baileborough,415 Cavan
Musgrave – 809, CT, Mullagh Cavan
Musgrave-128,CN,Ballyjamesduff Cavan
Musgrave – 1373, SV, Virginia SV – McEvoy Cavan
Musgrave-1043,CT,Centra,Kingscourt Cavan
Musgrave-663,CT,Belturbet Cavan
Musgrave – 739, CT, Flcarragh Donegal
Musgrave – 536, CT, Carrigart Donegal
247 – Centra Letterkenny Donegal
Musgrave – CN1493, Centra, Centra Killybegs Donegal
Musgrave – CN1492, Centra, CN1492_Kilcar Donegal
Musgrave – 1297, SV, Bundoran Donegal
Musgrave – 1142, SV, Ballybofey Donegal
Musgrave – 1143, SV, Carndonagh Donegal
Musgrave – 1492, CT, Kilcar Donegal
Musgrave – 358, SV, Donegal – Kavanagh Donegal
Musgrave – 853, CT, Mountain Top, Letterkenny – Kelly Donegal
Musgrave – 1338, SV, Killybegs SV – Rooney Donegal
Musgrave – 1033, CT, Centra, Ballyshannon Donegal
Musgrave – 66, CT, Centra, Ardara Donegal
Musgrave – 364, SV, Supervalu, Dungloe Donegal
Musgrave – 992, SV, Supervalu, Buncrana Donegal
Musgrave – 03, ON, ONeills,Enniskillen Fermanagh
Musgrave – 076, SV, Moycullen Galway
Musgrave – 751, SV, Oranmore – Nestor Galway
Musgrave – 390, SV, Gort – Minihane Galway
Musgrave – 1261, SV, Claregalway Galway
Musgrave – 338, SV, Tuam Galway
Musgrave – 236, SV, Barna – Clarke Galway
Musgrave – 314, SV, Loughrea – Michael McInerney Galway
Musgrave – 456, SV, Portumna – O’Meara Galway
Musgrave – 756, SV, Ballybane – Nestor Galway
Musgrave – 401, SV, BALLINASLOE Galway
Musgrave- 1045 Clarinbridge CT Galway
Musgrave – 402, SV, Supervalu,Lackagh Galway
Musgrave – 602, CT, Centra, Carnmore Galway
Musgrave – 233, CT, Centra,Athenry Galway
Musgrave – 1423, CT, Centra, Craughwell Galway
Musgrave – 351, SV, Clifden Galway
Musgrave – 753, CT, Centra, Ballygar Galway
Musgrave – 1362, CT, Sligo Road Longford Longford
Musgrave – 246, CT, Centra, Drumlish Longford
Musgrave – 894, SV Ballina Mayo
Musgrave – 100, CT, Ballindine Mayo
Musgrave – 302, SV, Ballyhaunis Mayo
Musgrave – CN1498, Centra, CN1498 Kilkelly Mayo
Musgrave – 311, SV, Castlebar Mayo
Musgrave – 391, SV, Achill Mayo
Musgrave – 42, CT, Balla Mayo
Musgrave – 55, CT, Belmullet Mayo
Musgrave – 307, SV, Westport – Kavanagh – SV Mayo
Musgrave – 431, SV, Ballinrobe – Cummins Mayo
Musgrave – 37, SV, Westport Mayo
Musgrave – 249, CT, CROSSMOLINA Mayo
Musgrave – 413, CT, Centra, Newport Mayo
Musgrave – 512, CT, Centra, Castlebar Mayo
Musgrave – 352, SV, Supervalu, Claremorris Mayo
Musgrave – 452, SV, Supervalu, Kiltimagh Mayo
Musgrave – 419, SV, Supervalu, Boyle Roscommon
Musgrave – 1133, SV, Athlone Roscommon
Musgrave – 1153, SV, Ballaghadereen Roscommon
Musgrave – 394, SV, Roscommon Roscommon
Musgrave – 417, SV, Castlerea Roscommon
Musgrave – 419, SV, Boyle Roscommon
Musgrave – 828, CT, Roscommon – Casey Roscommon
Musgrave – 395, SV, Tubbercurry – Surlis Sligo
Musgrave – 601, CT, Magheraboy – Cosgrove Sligo
Musgrave – 1337, SV, Supervalu, Grange Sligo
Musgrave – CN1227, Centra, CN1227 Enniscrone Sligo
Musgrave – 844, CT, Collooney Sligo
Musgrave – 057, CT, Centra Sligo
Musgrave – 278, SV, Supervalu, Ballymote Sligo
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Fostering Fortnight Launch

Tusla is organising the launch of our Fostering Fortnight next Monday 4th March 2019 at 9:45am at the Sligo County Council Offices, Abbeyquarter North, Sligo. Present will be a representative from the Sligo GAA, Sligo Rugby, Sligo Rovers and a photographer from the Sligo Champion.

For more information please visit https://www.live95fm.ie/local/limerick-diary/fostering-fortnight-2019-with-fostering-first-irel/

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2019 Glory for St Mary’s Kiltoghert at Scor na nÓg Finals

Saturday last was a memorable occasion for Leitrim Scór as St Marys Kiltoghert were declared All Ireland champions in Ballad Group at the All-Ireland final in Castlebar.

For the Carrick club, it was a long-awaited and richly-deserved reward for perseverance and persistence. For each of the previous four consecutive years they had reached the All-Ireland finals, they travelled to Killarney, Sligo and Belfast with great hopes, only to come home disappointed on each occasion. Others would have given up but sheer determination from the Carrick ladies and their backroom team didn’t deter. Hope kept them going and the dream that their day would come and come it finally did on Saturday last.

With the club having competed and come so close over the last 10 years in both Senior and Junior All-Irelands before them, The young singers hung on their mentors and tutors every piece of advice and it surely paid off. The team of Elsie Harmon, Eleanor Smith, Rionach Nic Conmara, Roisin Noone and Ava Brogan gave a moving and outstanding performance which saw them see off Ardagh of Longford. Watty Grahams, Derry and Cullen of Cork. The long wait was finally over.

The sight of bonfires blazing on the approach to Pairc Tom and the grounds of St Marys clubhouse at 10.00pm last Saturday and the club lining the way to the den to greet them back made it all worth it. It was a memorable homecoming as the ladies performed at ease & celebrated their historic win with their friends and supporters.

St Mary’s win was the second title to the club since their first and only win in 1971 when Tom Fitzgerald won recitation in what was the 2nd year of Scór competition. To win this All-Ireland on the 50th year of the competition, it was a very long wait. It was also something memorable for Leitrim as this was the first time ever that a Leitrim club had ever won an All-Ireland Ballad title in Scór na nÓg. With previous titles in Nuachleas (now Leiriu) Sèan O’Heslins in 1997, 2001 & 2006) question time (Sean O’Heslins in 1988 & 1991, Bornacoola  2001) and Instrumental Music (Carrigallen 1989) at Junior level.

Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins represented Leitrim at the All-Ireland quiz last Saturday also. The young team put a massive effort into preparing for the day & did impressively well as the Questions were quite tough. Its such a great experience for such a young team.

Bhí sé soiléir go raibh croí an chontae sa chultúir ghaelach agus muintir an chontae ag baint taitneamh as.

All-Ireland Winners
Figure Dancing –  Aghagallon, Co Antrim
Solo-Singing – Aoife Trainor, Clonduff, Co Down
Recitation – Mary Kate Bonnes, Tir nan Og, Randalstown, Co Antrim
Ballad Group – St Mary’s Leitrim
Leiriu- Aghagallon, Co Antrim
Instrumental – Kilcormac-Killoughey, Co Offaly
Set Dancing – Abbeyknockmoy, Co Galway

Tráth na gCeist
1.Cornafean, Cavan
2.An Bóthar Bui, Cork
3.Killeavy, Armagh

Leitrim senior scór quiz takes place this Friday 22nd February in St Joseph’s Centre Leitrim Village. The venue is next door to the village church. Competition starts at 8.30pm. Clubs are encouraged to take part. Each entry must consist of 4 club members, aged from 17, effective 1st January 2019. Leitrim winners qualify for the All Ireland final on April 13th in Castlebar.

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The late John Morrison, Armagh, and Former Leitrim Joint Manager

Leitrim GAA wishes to be associated with the many tributes that have been paid to the late John Morrison, who passed away earlier today. The Armagh native and Armagh Harps GAA stalwart was one of the most innovative GAA coaches this island has provided witness to and we were privileged to have had him in our midst a decade ago.

In the summer of 2008 Leitrim was in the hunt for a new Senior Football Management team, following the retirement of Des Dolan from the position, and we were delighted to attract the joint managerial expertise of Mickey Moran and John Morrison to the position. Following the announcement of the appointment to the job in August 2008, they quickly set about putting their stamp on the work at hand in order to be prepared for the 2009 season and no stone was left unturned. A larger than life character, John Morrison, with his innovative methods and many futuristic coaching ideas, left a lasting impression on all of the players who were fortunate to have played for Leitrim at that time, not only at Senior level but his influence spread to underage teams of that era.

John remained in this role over the 2009 and 2010 seasons but decided to concentrate on his coach education career and stepped down before the 2011 season. Mickey Moran continued in the role until he had to step away for health reasons at the end of 2011.

John has retained a great interest and connection with Leitrim GAA Coaching and Games and was back in the Annaduff COE as recently as November 2017 when he delivered his ‘Game Sense’ Workshop to a full contingent of Leitrim GAA Coaches. Indeed a number of former Leitrim players of his era in charge who have since entered coaching have hailed the huge influence that John Morrison had on their decision to coach.

Leitrim GAA players and coaches will forever retain fond memories of John Morrison and his varied but nonetheless challenging methods which were always to the fore in advancing the player technically, mentally and physically. We convey our condolences to his family and would like to think that we would be numbered among his many, many friends across the GAA world.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

 

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The late Tom Guckian, Kiltoghert, Ck-on-Shannon and St. Mary’s Kiltoghert GAA Club.

Leitrim GAA is greatly saddened at the sudden passing of Tom Guckian, Kiltoghert, Ck-on-Shannon, who passed to his eternal reward early on Friday morning. Tom, a retired staff member of ESB, was battling with ailing health over the past couple of years but met all these challenges determinedly and refused to give in, always airing with great positivity. An avid GAA follower of all codes, Tom made it to TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar, on Sunday week last to support the Carrick Hurlers in their recent All-Ireland Junior Hurling Semi Final, such was his love for his local teams. He was due to attend the St Mary’s Kiltoghert Gala Presentation event on this Saturday night but unfortunately, this wasn’t to be.

Tom has had a lifelong association with many aspects of the GAA in Leitrim and while he never played underage football for St Mary’s Kiltoghert, he always showed a keen interest in all the club’s activities and became involved at officer level at a young age becoming Treasurer in 1983. He continued in this role for 8 years, while also playing club football at Senior and Junior level.

He captained St Mary’s to a Junior Championship final in 1988 and at this stage, his great organisational skills were becoming obvious when he became manager of the club’s second team a role he held for 10 years during which he led St Mary’s to the Intermediate title in 1995. This was the year that St Mary’s Kiltoghert took the Senior, Intermediate and Minor titles, a feat unparalleled and unlikely to be ever matched.

In 1996 he took over as Chairman of the club and held this role until 2003, during this time he spearheaded the development of the new club grounds at Castlecarra, affectionally known to all as Park Tom. This was a jewel in Tom’s Chairmanship crown and one of which he can be extremely proud. The grounds, which are a hive of GAA activity, have been of tremendous assistance to Leitrim GAA, particularly on big match day in Avantcard Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada.

Fundraising is the bane of many people’s existence and many run a mile from it. Not Tom though! He always played a big role in any fundraising for the club and took great delight when his club’s lotto team topped the sales figures. In addition to this Tom has been a long time member of the Leitrim GAA Supporters Club Committee and used his talent in this regard to great effect. Tom rarely missed the traditional annual launch of the Leitrim Supporters Club in Dublin and was an ever-present on the Leitrim Bus to Dublin for these occasions in the company of his wife Tina.

At County GAA Administration level Tom served on the county Competitions Control Committee for ten years and was its Chairman for 5 years. During this time he was always approachable and dealt with all issues fairly and in the best interest of Leitrim GAA. He left his club outside the door on all occasions when making CCC decisions and that is the very best tribute we can pay to him on his tenure in charge of that committee. In recent years he had been a member of the Connacht GAA Hearings Committee which was a great honour bestowed on him to have been chosen on the ultimate provincial disciplinary decision-making committee. Of course, Tom has had a leading role on many Connacht Council match days around the province in that most unglamorous of roles, the matchday steward which involves a time investment or erosion of time, if you look at it another way, that goes way beyond what we normally associate with attending matches.

Before the era or Fás/Tús schemes, Tom was always to be found doing voluntary work at Avantcard Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada preparing for games and became Chairperson of the Páirc Seán Committee in 2010 and oversaw many developments at the grounds over his period in charge. An abiding image of Tom on match day would have been his scurrying up and down the tunnel, keys rattling, and making sure all is in perfect working order. Post-match you would most likely see him doing a lap of the field with a fertilizer bag collecting the flags and remaining on until all had exited safely. Another example of the many unglamorous but vital GAA roles that Tom gladly took charge of, such was his enthusiasm for the association that was such a big part of his life.

As a supporter, Tom clocked up many miles supporting his club and county across many age grades and codes. He was particularly proud of the sporting achievements of his daughters Lorraine and Lisa and was the staunchest supporter of their team over the years. Despite his ailing health, he made sure to be present at all their matches, no matter where in recent years and it was a pleasure to meet him on these occasions.

On February 3rd, 2018, Tom Guckian was inducted into the Jim Lynch Leitrim GAA Hall of Fame at the County’s Annual GAA Awards Ceremony. This was a fitting tribute to all of the work that Tom had got through in a lifetime’s association with GAA and a recognition of the fact that the mountains of work that goes on behind the scenes are greatly appreciated by all. Tom was, in this regard, a hero of many and for all! Tom gloriously captained many great teams whose work goes on off the field.

We are greatly saddened by his passing, which leaves yet another large void around St. Mary’s Kiltoghert, Avantcard Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada and Leitrim GAA. However, it is his family who will feel  the greatest loss and we express our sympathies to his wife Tina, daughters Lorraine and Lisa, grandson James, brothers Joe and Patsy, sister Mary B Mulvey (Butlersbridge, Co.Cavan), brothers-in-law Michael, Johnny, Charlie, Seamus, Martin, Sean and P.J, sisters-in-law Mary, Maggie, Phil, Margaret, Clare, Maura and Bernadette, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

Funeral Arrangements

Reposing at his home tomorrow, Saturday, from 2 o’clock until 6 o’clock and on Sunday from 2 o’clock until 6 o’clock. Removal to St.Patrick’s Church, Gowel on Monday morning to arrive for Mass of Christian Burial at 12 o’clock with funeral afterwards to Kiltoghert Cemetery. Family flowers only please, donations, if so desired, to Irish Motor Neuron Association (imnda.ie). House private outside of reposing times and private on Monday morning please.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

The late Tom Guckian, pictured with Tina, Lorraine, Lisa and grandson James following St. Mary’s/Bornacoola Ladies League Final win in July 2018.

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