GAA club pays tributes to stalwarts
The death has occurred of Patrick Joseph Keown, better known as Pat, of Ballyhaunis Road, Claremorris.
Easkey GAA Club have paid tribute to two club stalwarts who died recently.
Eugene Ryan of Cabra, Rathlee played with the club in the late 1950s and early 1960s and was a member of the 1960 Junior Championship winning team.
Eugene died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his father Thomas, mother Margaret, brothers Tom, Padraic and Christy, sisters-in-law Dympna, Breege and Kathleen.
Eugene will be deeply regretted by his devoted wife Anna, son Padraic, daughters Breda and Catriona, son-in-law Steven, daughter-in-law Liz, brother Jim and sister-in-law Mary, heartbroken grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Eugene reposed at Sweeney’s Funeral Home, Dromore West on Sunday, July 12 from 5 to 8pm and his funeral Mass took place in the Church of the Holy Family, Kilglass at 11am, followed by burial in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Kilglass.
The late Michael Kelly of Caltra, Culleens was an exceptional clubman.
He died peacefully on July 13, after a short illness at the Northwest Hospice, Sligo, surrounded by his loving family.
Michael was predeceased by his parents Tom and Kathleen. He was the beloved husband of Nancy and loving father of Niall, Edel, Michael and Niamh. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, sons, daughters, daughters-in-law, Michelle Butler and Jude Gallagher, sons-in-law John Beirne and Richard Morrissey, grandchildren Tom, Ellen, Annie, Rebecca, Katie, Jack, Michael, Conor, Cialadh and Jim.
Easkey GAA Club paid tribute to Michael, stating:
"Michael devoted a lifetime of dedicated service to our club and was the very definition of a true Sea Blue, a clubman in every sense of the word. Over many decades, he fulfilled countless roles, serving on the club executive, as a county board delegate, as club groundsman, coach to numerous underage teams, and as a current club trustee. Michael received the club person of the year award in 2008. As a player, he proudly represented Easkey in both codes, always wearing the club colours with pride.
"Beyond our own club, Michael gave exceptional service to the GAA as a minor board referee and also as an umpire at many of the game’s biggest occasions, including provincial finals and an All-Ireland Senior Championship Final. His knowledge, integrity and unwavering dedication earned him the respect of all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
"Michael was a constant presence around the club, always willing to lend a hand, offer sound advice, or quietly get on with whatever was needed to be done. As groundsman for well over a decade, he took immense pride in ensuring our facilities were maintained to a high standard, giving countless hours of his time so that players of all ages could enjoy the best conditions. Kind, committed and dedicated; he embodied the values upon which the association is built. With his passing our club has lost one of its finest servants. His legacy will live on in our club and community for generations to come."
Michael reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina, on Thursday, July 16, from 5.30 to 7pm. His funeral arrived at St James’s Church, Easkey on Friday for 12 noon Requiem Mass followed by burial in Roslea Cemetery, Easkey.
May both Eugene and Michael rest in peace.
