Paddy O’Connor, Ballinamore Seán O’Heslin’s and Leitrim – RIP

Brón ar an mbás sé dubh ár gcroíse! The sad news came through this morning of the death of Paddy O’Connor after a long battle with illness. Paddy was for years the “Hurling man” in our midst. A native of Moneygall, technically in Offaly, but a proud Tipperary man when it came to hurling. Paddy promoted hurling in the Ballinamore Seán O’Heslins club for many years and his proudest sporting day was when the club won the Leitrim Senior Hurling Championship in 2015. Another great occasion was when they won an under 14 National Féile na nGael title.

Paddy was involved with Leitrim teams at county level also and he was Cathaoirleach of the Leitrim Hurling Board up until December last. At county level, his most memorable occasion was when Leitrim won the Lory Meagher Cup in 2019. Indeed, Paddy attended Leitrim’s matches in this year’s Lory Meagher Cup against Monaghan and Lancashire.

At club level, Paddy O’Connor filled many roles. He was Rúnaí of Ballinamore Seán O’Heslin’s club from 2002 to 2006 and he was coordinator of the club Lotto until the onset of Covid halted the Lotto.  Fear é a bhí an-spéis sa Ghaeilge aige freisin. The club would like to extend sympathy to Paddy’s wife, Marie, sons Tadhg and Kevin and daughter Carl and extended family.

Dia go deo leis.

 

Pictured here are Paddy O’Connor and his son Kevin after winning the Leitrim Senior Hurling final in 2015.

The Late Padraig McGloin Glenade RIP

Padraig McGloin  (Melvin Gaels) former Leitrim footballer passed away on the 23rd January suddenly at his home in Rathmines. Padraig passed away just as he lived his life, in a quiet and unassuming way.

Padraig was a star member of the 1956 Leitrim Minor Team that won the 1956 Connacht Minor Championship, the county’s second ever provincial title up to that time. At the 2007 Leitrim GAA  County Board dinner the team were honoured in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon recognising their achievement.

Padraig went on to play on the Leitrim Senior Team in the 50’s & 60’ and was on the Leitrim Senior team that that defeated Roscommon in the Connacht Senior Football Championship Semi-Final by 1-08 to 1-03 on June 23rd, 1963 in Markievicz Park, Sligo.

Leitrim were defeated by Galway in the Connacht Final on July 14th in MacHale Park, Castlebar.

Pictured – 1963 Leitrim Senior Team

Back row, l-r, Liam Foran (Drumshanbo -Sean McDermotts, Dublin), Padraig McGloin (Melvin Gaels), Kevin McGowan (Melvin Gaels), Paudge McGowan (Melvin Gaels), Paddy Guckian (St Mary’s Kiltoghert), Fergus O’Rourke (Aughavas), Frankie Beirne (Ballinamore) and Kevin O’Malley (Melvin Gaels).

Front row, l-r, Josie Murray (St Mary’s Kiltoghert), Cathal Flynn (Gorvagh – Sean McDermotts), Jack Faughnan (Annaduff), Pakie McGarty (Mohill – Tara, London), Jim Lynch (Jamestown – Sean McDermotts), Mel Kelly (Cloone) and Tom Colreavy (Gortletteragh).

The Leitrim Co Board express their deepest sympathy to his sisters (Doreen (Bundoran) and Bernie (Swinford), his nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A cremation service took place at Dardistown Crematorium in Dublin. A memorial mass and burial of ashes will take place in his native Glenade at a later date which will be announced.

May Padraig Rest In  Peace.

The Late Ronan Moran, Aughnagallop, Drumshanbo, Leitrim.

Leitrim GAA are saddened to learn of the passing of the Late Ronan Moran, Aughnagallop, Drumshanbo Co Leitrim.

We extend our sympathy to his parents John and Geraldine, his brothers Kevin and Fergal, Aunts and Uncles Abina, Ann, Niall and Joe, his loving cousins Darragh, Eve and Ciaran, his extended family, especially Colette and Tarah, his girlfriend, Kaitlyn and his wide circle of friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

Funeral Arrangements As Follows https://rip.ie/death-notice/ronan-moran-drumshanbo-leitrim/525686

 

 

The Late Dessie Kieran, Main Street, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.

Dessie Kieran, Ballinamore Seán O’Heslins RIP

The death has occurred of Dessie Kieran, one of the stalwarts of Ballinamore Seán O’Heslin’s since his playing days in the late 1940s and through the 1950s. Dessie was the goalkeeper on the famous Ballinamore team which won the 1956 Senior Championship, the club’s first at the time, after what seemed an eternity from 1939. That victory was the highlight of Dessie’s generation and was spoken about with pride ever after. Pictured below is a photo of the Ballinamore team of 1956 with Dessie third from the right in the back row.

While still a player, Dessie was very involved in the administration of the club along with his brother, the late Brendan. Between them, they were central to the running of the club in the 1950s and 1960s. Dessie was club Treasurer from 1953-1955 and again in 1958. He was also Assistant Treasurer from 1964-1968. He was a mine of information on anything to do with the club, and indeed the town, and a visit to the chemist shop run by himself and his wife, Sheelah, would yield the answers to many questions.

Dessie was particularly proud to see his son Paul play a central role in Leitrim’s great Connacht Senior Championship win in 1994 and in Ballinamore’s Senior title wins in the 1980s and 1990.

The club expresses sympathy to Dessie’s wife Sheelah and sons Paul, John and Mark and the extended family. Reposing at Smith’s Funeral Home, High St. Ballinamore N41 TD62 on Wednesday evening from 6pm until 8pm. Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinamore on Thursday at 12 noon followed by burial in Oughteragh cemetery, Ballinamore.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh duine de laochra chlub Sheáin Ui Eislin. Leaba i measc na naomh agus na peileadóirí go raibh age.

The Late Brian Bohan (Brían O’Buachaín) Gael Linn Lynndale, Maugheraboy, Sligo Town, Sligo

Leitrim GAA wishes to offer its deepest sympathies to the family of the late Brian Bohan, Gael Linn Lynndale, Maugheraboy, Sligo Town, Sligo and formerly Mohill, Co Leitrim. The Late Brian never forgot his roots and remained a keen Leitrim supporter and annually sold Leitrim Supporters Club Tickets in his adopted Sligo.

Our sympathies are extended to his son Rory (Galway), his daughter Emer Kennedy (Sligo), daughter-in-law Nicola, son-in-law Tony, grandchildren Ciaran, Grace, Rian, Penny and Luke, nieces Barbara and Mary, nephew Cormac, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, relatives and friends.

Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis.

Funeral Arrangements Below.

https://rip.ie/death-notice/brian-bohan-br%C3%ADan-o-buacha%C3%ADn-gael-linn-sligo-town-sligo/520784

The late Paddy McEneaney, Lurganboy, Manorhamilton, County Leitrim.

Leitrim GAA wishes to offer its deepest sympathies to the family of the last Paddy McEneaney, Lurganboy, Manorhmilton, who passed to his eternal reward on Saturday, December 17th. The late Paddy, a native of Cavanaguillagh, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, has been very positively associated with the Glencar/Manorhamilton GAA Club over many decades and has held a number of prominent officer positions in the club during this time.

Our sympathies are extended to his wife Julia, his children Siobhán, Gerardine, Eibhlín, Dympna, Mary, Róisín, Patrick, Terence, Cathal and the extended members of the McEneaney family at this sad time. May he rest in peace.

Funeral arrangements are located below.

https://rip.ie/death-notice/paddy-mceneaney-manorhamilton-leitrim/518578

 

The late Michael O Rourke, Riverdale, NY, formerly Carrigallen, Co Leitrim.

Leitrim GAA would like to be associated with messages of sympathy, following the passing of the late Michael O Rourke, Riverdale, New York and formerly of Carrigallen, County Leitrim.

Michael Ó Rourke loved the hills of Druminchin, the fields, the whins, the buchalláns and the neighbours that his nephew Séamus wrote about so emotionally in his STANDING in GAPS memoir.
Michael walked every inch of these fields before emigrating to the United States, but in reality, he never left home. Like so many other Irish in New York he became immersed in his new surroundings and a committed member of his community, while at the same time keeping up to date with events back in Drumshangore, Drumeela, Carrigallen and Leitrim. After emigrating in 1958 the news came to the Big Apple through family letters and the weekly Leitrim Observer, but Michael in recent years became a whiz kid on mobiles, WhatsApp and various social media sites that others his age did simply not explore, but he wanted to be the first with the news from Leitrim.
The GAA was always part of Michael’s life, from his playing days with Drumeela Harps, Drumreilly, Carrigallen and Aughawillan, as a Leitrim referee to lining out in Gaelic Park or being a regular along the sideline every Sunday with his life long friends Mike Dillon and Larry Dolan.
His generous heart saw him financially support the Leitrim Club in New York, but also the Leitrim County Board and Leitrim teams back home. as well as Carrigallen GAA and its club grounds and also the Carrigallen/Aughavas St Joseph’s Ladies teams. As well as being a fan of football and hurling Michael had a special interest in Athletics and Cycling and enjoyed both well into his later years. He also had a keen interest in amateur Drama, nurtured through being on stage with people like Mickey O’Brien and Con Reilly in the Drumeela Drama Troupe in venues like Fargie’s Shed or in Doogra Hall. He would have found his years in the Fordham Dramatic Club a bit more up-market.
Michael served in various official positions with the Leitrim Society New York, including President and was always at the forefront of promoting Leitrim and its people. He was honoured on various occasions for his contribution to Irish culture, but the greatest satisfaction he got was from simply doing his bit to help others.
Now his passing will evoke many memories of a great New York and a great Leitrim man. Sincere sympathy to his family and to all the O’Rourke family in Drumshangore and in Manorhamilton.

Solas na b-Flaitheas dá anam uasal dílis.

Courtesy of Tommy Moran

Funeral details are located here

The Late Andy Duffy RIP

Aindrias Ó Dubhthaigh (Andy Duffy)

Ballinamore Seán O’Heslin’s  RIP

Brón ar an mbás, sé dubh mo croíse

A great sadness has fallen on the Ballinamore Seán O’Heslin’s GAA club this morning with the news of the death of Andy Duffy. An iconic figure in the club for the past forty years, whether it was serving as Cathaoirleach or Rúnaí, or checking tickets on Lotto night.

Andy’s life revolved around two things, his beloved Mayo and his equally beloved Seán O’Heslin’s. He was one of Mayo’s most loyal supporters and it didn’t matter whether they lost nine or ten All Ireland Finals, he would be in Tralee or Ballybofey for their next League match. His car would be gone in the early morning, but he would always be back for Prior’s or Lawrences that same night.

Andy was Secretary of Ballinamore Seán O’Heslins for a thirteen-year period 1986 – 1998, during which time the club won three Senior Football titles. Those were the days when the Secretary would also act as a selector. He was one of only four clubmen to fill the role of both Chairman and Secretary at different times, the others being Brendan Kieran, Brendan Burns and Alan Banks. Andy was club Chairman from 2002-2004.  He knew every detail about the club’s successes, even for the years long before his involvement.

One of Andy’s most memorable successes in GAA terms, it wasn’t on the football of play at all, but in the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney in 2002, when he was part of the club’s team which won the All Ireland Scór Tráth na gCeist. After more than 20 years of competing in Scór, the team of Andy Duffy, Seán Ó Súilleabháin and Walter Sharpley took the title. Andy was well-read on a variety of subjects, and he had a great interest in taking part in table quizzes of any sort.

A native of Kilmovee, Co Mayo, Andy attended St Nathy’s College, Ballaghadereen as a boarder. His family moved to near Mullingar, but Andy remained a Mayo man all his life.  He attended forestry college in Kinnity, Co Offaly for one year and then spent three years in the college at Shelton Abbey, near Arklow. It was here he first took on an officer position in the GAA as secretary of the Forestry College team.

Fear go raibh an spéis aige sa Ghaeilge, agus b’fhearr leis i gcónaí a ainm mar Aindrias Ó Dubhthaigh.

Andy’s most significant intervention on behalf of the club came in the early 2000s when it was proposed to move away from the current pitch, due to persistent flooding. Andy offered to personally fund the investigation of a pumping system to stem the flooding. This was the catalyst which led to the development of the current facilities.

In latter years, Andy assisted the club in many ways, selling lotto tickets in his favourite pubs, sorting the envelopes on lotto night and filling in numerous tickets for his nephews and nieces in Gaybrook, Mullingar or Ballycumber, Co Offaly. Andy was generous with his time and money for any GAA cause.

Despite failing health, one of Andy’s last jobs was hoisting the tricolour and club flags on the day of a big match in Páirc Sheáin Uí Eislin. Andy had a box in the porch with flags of every conceivable combination of colours, ready for any occasion.

Today, the tricolour flies at half mast at his beloved Páirc Sheáin Uí Eislin in memory of one of the club’s greatest and most memorable administrators – Aindrias Ó Dubhthaigh, go mbeidh leaba i measc na naomh agat, a fhir uasail.

The club extends sympathy to Andy’s sister, Mary Kavanagh, Ballycumber, Co Offaly and his brother Martin, Gaybrook, Mullingar and their extended families.

Andy’s remains will be reposing at Smith’s Funeral Home, Ballinamore on Sunday from 5.30 to 7.30. Removal on Monday evening to Gainstown Church, Mullingar and funeral on Tuesday. For final details link https://rip.ie/death-notice/andrew-andy-duffy-ballinamore-leitrim/510156

Seán Ó Súilleabháin

Death Notice of Sean O’Loughlin

The death has occurred of Sean O’Loughlin
Carricknabrack, Drumshanbo, Leitrim / Aughrim, Wicklow

 

For Funeral arrangements please follow link  https://rip.ie/death-notice/sean-o-loughlin-drumshanbo-leitrim/509424#:~:text=University%20Hospital.%20Beloved-,husband,-and%20best%20friend

 

The late Patrick McNulty, Rossinver, County Leitrim.

Leitrim GAA would like to offer its condolences to the family of the late Patrick McNulty, Rossinver, County Leitrim, who passed to his eternal reward on Wednesday last. Patrick was a tremendous supporter of his club Melvin Gaels and also the Leitrim GAA County teams. On an annual basis, Patrick travailed the highways and byways of his native North Leitrim area raising funds for the Leitrim GAA Supporters Club. He loved to attend matches at Avant Money Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada and far beyond in support of his native county over the years.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his brother Hugh and extended family and friends. Patrick’s funeral arrangements are located below.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

https://rip.ie/death-notice/patrick-mcnulty-rossinver-leitrim/506567

The late Pat Conefrey, Corrawallen, Carrigallen, Co Leitrim.

Leitrim GAA is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pat Conefrey, late of Corrawllen, Carrigallen, County Leitrim. Pat was a former Principal Teacher of Drumlea NS, having previously taught in Gortahoose NS, before its closure. Throughout his time teaching pupils from the club area of Drumreilly, he imbued in them a love of Gaelic Games, which has borne much fruit in his club and indeed onwards towards the production of many players who excelled at inter-county level over the decades.

Pat himself was a former Senior player with Leitrim and featured regularly on the famous team of the late 1950s which contested a number of Connacht Finals of that era, and continued to play for the county into the 1960s. In his early playing days, he was also a member of the 1956 Erin’s Hope team which featured the St Patrick’s Drumcondra Trainee teachers who won a Dublin Senior Championship at that time. At the local level, he played his club football with Fenagh.

On the GAA administration front, Pat was a former officer of Bord na nÓg Liatroma and was the first Cathaoirleach of Cumann na mBunscol Liatroma. In 2007 he was inducted into the Leitrim GAA Hall of Fame and was presented with the Jim  Lynch Hall of Fame Award in recognition of his lifetime contribution to the GAA in the county. Pat had many strings to his bow and his weekly column as Drumreilly local correspondent in the Leitrim Observer was widely read and his careful and encyclopedic recall of what was then current and indeed many GAA past glories in his local area is a permanent record of events of those times.

Pat will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Rose; their children: Jacinta, Jarlath, Damien, Fergal and Edel (McCartin); his sister, Mary Heeran; brother Willie; son-in-law John; daughters-in-law: Louise, Martina and Marianne and his adored grandchildren: Lee, Ben, Elle, Faye, Oisín, Olwyn, Éabha, Doireann, John (McCartin Jr), Tiarnan, John Conefrey, Ciaran and Grace.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and wide circle of friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

Funeral Arrangements

Pat Egan, Corrabeagh, Foxfield, Fenagh, Co Leitrim

Leitrim GAA are saddened to learn of the death of Pat Egan, Corrabeagh, Foxfield, Fenagh, Co Leitrim. Pat, a former referee with Leitrim GAA for many years and and father of current referee Enda Egan. Pat was more recently a long standing member and former Chairman of the Leitrim GAA Hearings Committee and Match Day steward and friend to many.

We offer our deepest sympathies to his loving wife Phil, children Marian (Crinnigan), Enda and Edel (Canning). His sons in law Ciarán and Gary, Linda, his adored grandchildren (Caiden, Ella, Kayla, Darragh, Leah, Laoise, Aobha and Róisín), brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

Ar Dheis De Go Raibh Sé.

Funeral Arrangements As Follows – https://rip.ie/death-notice/pat-egan-fenagh-leitrim/499383