The Late PJ Carroll RIP, Cavan and Leitrim GAA.

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It is with a mixture of great sadness and very fond memories that we learned earlier today of the passing of the late PJ Carroll of Cootehill Road, Cavan Town. PJ was an inspirational figure no matter where he travelled in his many coaching and managerial roles throughout a host of counties and clubs and across a number of decades. He left a lasting legacy no matter where he found himself.

Of course, in Leitrim, we have very many fond memories of the journey that he started for us when he took over the Leitrim Senior Football team in late 1989. At that time the fortunes of the team were at a low ebb but PJ soon set about correcting that across the winter of 1989/90 and on the resumption of the NFL in February 1990 we began to see some glimmer of hope again. By the end of that particular league campaign, we had negotiated two playoff victories over Offaly and Wicklow to earn promotion from Division 3 (North) to NFL Division 2. We had something major to look forward to the following season.

What followed was a continuation of the remarkable turnaround in our fortunes. Under PJ’s drive and discipline, we captured an All-Ireland B title in November 1990 and Mickey Quinn was selected at midfield on the 1990 GAA All-Star Team. By the conclusion of that particular NFL we had finished third in Division 2, after a playoff with Kildare, and narrowly missed out on a quarter-final placing. What is most memorable about those days, apart from the performances on the field, were the huge crowds that followed the Leitrim team, no matter where the games were played. After so many years in the wilderness, it was box office stuff, Leitrim style!!

We maintained our newly found high league standing over the remaining years of PJ’s tenure and for many years beyond that but unfortunately, we just couldn’t get by Roscommon, whom we were paired with across his three Connacht Championship campaigns. If only there was a backdoor route, then!

They say a rising tide raises all boats and it’s fair to say that the influence of the Senior Team’s raised profile helped other teams also. PJ presided over a Connacht Under 21 Championship success in 1991. In that same year, the Leitrim Minor Team captured the Connacht Minor League and reached the Connacht Minor Final. Incidentally, the Leitrim Under 16 Team had won the Fr. Manning Cup in 1990. These were heady days for Leitrim football and the best was yet to come.

PJ handed over the managerial baton to the late John O Mahony in the Autumn of 1992, after three seasons in charge, but the seeds had most definitely been sown and our great success of 1994 duly followed. It is most poignant that we say goodbye to these two icons of Leitrim GAA history within four months of each other. They each played significant parts in this success.

Rest easy PJ, you will never be forgotten by those involved with Leitrim GAA, players, officials, and supporters, who dared to dream almost 35 years ago. You left your mark and a lasting legacy.

Our deepest sympathies are extended to PJ’s wife Anne, daughters Olivia, Annemarie, and Caroline, son Pauric, grandchildren Ellen, Hannah, Ruairí, Dáithí, Malachi, Tadhg, Rìan and Cùan and his siblings Pauline, Maureen, Martin and Sean.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

PJ Carrol’s Death Notice can be found on RIP.ie or at the link below.

https://rip.ie/death-notice/pj-patrick-joseph-carroll-cavan-cavan-town-573243

Image courtesy of RIP.ie

THE LATE COLUMBA CRYAN RIP

Columba Cryan – Legendary Leitrim Footballer – ar shlí na Firinne 

Columba Cryan, a legendary figure on the Ballinamore and Leitrim football scene in the 1950s, passed away today, 5 May 2024.

Throughout 1950s, Columba was recognised one of Leitrim’s finest players, playing either at midfield or full forward. In 1952, Leitrim regraded to Junior, meaning that they opted out of the senior championship to concentrate on junior. It was a move which paid off as they won the Connacht Junior title. The All-Ireland semi-final was played in Pairc Sheáin Ui Eislin, before a reputed 5,000 attendance and, with Columba Cryan at full forward, Leitrim defeated Tipperary by 2-5 to 0-5. The final against Meath was in Breffni Park, but Leitrim lost.

Ten years later, in 1962, Leitrim again won the Connacht Junior title and Columba Cryan won his second Connacht Junior medal.

However, it was at senior level that Columba made his name as an outstanding player for Leitrim. In that glorious period (1957-1960) when Leitrim played in four Connacht finals in a row, all against Galway, Columba was a central figure in all of them. The nearest Leitrim got was to lose by two points in 1958, when Columba shaved the upright in the dying minutes. Columba’s brother-in-law, Leo Heslin from Aughavas, was a teammate on the Leitrim team in those years.

Leitrim’s most successful year ever, at National League level, came in 1959, when they reached the semi final, at a time when there were no divisions based on strength. Leitrim lost to Derry in Croke Park on that occasion, the only time Columba Cryan lined out for Leitrim in Pairc an Chrócaigh.

Ballinamore won the Senior Championship in 1956, largely due to a great midfield pairing of Columba Cryan and Brian Sweeney.  For many many years, Columba and Brian travelled to matches together, no doubt reliving the great games they played together. Columba was captain of that 1956 winning team and his brother Josie was centre-half back.

Columba was the only Ballinamore player to possess a coveted Railway Cup medal. He was on the Connacht panel when they won in the years 1957 and 1958.

Our sympathy to Columba’s wife, Kay, to his daughters, Fiona, Síne, Lisa, Pam and son Columba.

Suaimhneas na bhFlaitheas do cheann de na peileadóirí ab fhearr a d’imir le Liatroim agus cumann Sheáin Úi Eislin, Béal an Átha Móir.

 

Reposing on Monday, 6th May, at Smith’s Funeral Home, High St., Ballinamore, N41 TD62, from 4pm until 6.30pm. Removal on Tuesday, 7th May, from his home to arrive at St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinamore, for Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in Oughteragh Cemetery, Ballinamore.

Ballinamore team, Leitrim Senior Champions 1956, captained by Columba Cryan

The Late Ellen (Ella) McGarty

Ellen (Ella )  McGarty, Dublin

Ella McGarty wife of the late Packie McGarty passed away last night after a short illness. At his father’s funeral mass Packie’s son Eamon told the congregation meeting Ella was a special moment in Packie’s  life.  Packie always said the greatest thing he did was meet and marry Ella. Packie and Ella were married for sixty one years. They were a perfect fit, both were warm, affectionate, engaging and had outstanding values, they wanted the same things, a life together, a family, both had a strong faith and family and ideals on how to raise the family. They both worked together every day in the shop except on Christmas day. Packie and Ella lived their faith and were daily mass goers. Almost three years since Packie  passed away on the 6th April 2021 he is now joined by his beloved wife Ella. They were a very special couple, Ella will be missed enormously  by her  family and will be remembered fondly by everybody that knew her. May Ella rest in peace.

With deepest sympathy from Leitrim County Board and the Leitrim GAA Supporters Club

Death Notice of Ellen (Ella) McGarty (née Murphy) (Dublin 6W, Dublin) | rip.ie

The Late Liam Flynn, Firhouse, Tallaght and Killarkin, Kiltoghert, County Leitrim.

Leitrim GAA is greatly saddened to learn of the sudden and untimely death of Liam Flynn, Firhouse, Tallaght and formerly of Killarkin, Kiltoghert, County Leitrim. Liam is a former St Mary’s, Kiltoghert and Leitrim player who graced the field at all levels. He first came to notice as an Under 16 Player of note and in 1975 when Leitrim captured the first of its three Fr. Manning Cup titles Liam was the team leader as captain. In the same year, he was awarded the County Youth Player of the Year Award. What is remarkable by comparison with the current era, is that he played wing forward in his club’s 1975 SFC Final encounter with eventual champions, Ballinamore Sean O’ Heslin’s, while still Under 16.  Two years later, while still a Minor he was part of the historic Leitrim Under 21 Panel that captured the county’s first-ever Connacht Under 21 Championship. He was a starting player in the Connacht Final victory over Roscommon and joined the action as a second-half substitute in the All-Ireland semi-final versus Kerry. This particular group of players has been recognised both locally and indeed beyond our borders as the finest group of assembled players to ever represent the county at the underage level, running a star-studded Kerry selection to a mere 5 points after a thrilling encounter. Incidentally, he was joined on that panel by his brother Michael who lined out at corner back. He also captained the Leitrim Minor team in 1977 which was defeated by Mayo in the Connacht Final. He later went on to represent the County at Senior level. Liam had a stellar club career with his native St. Mary’s Kiltoghert and also played in the 1977 and 1983 County SFC Final defeats to Glencar/Manorhamilton and Aughawillan respectively.

Leitrim GAA offers its sincerest sympathies to his wife Marie, sons William and Sean and daughter Karen, his mother Elizabeth Flynn, brothers Michael, Pascal and Gary, sisters Kathleen, Theresa, Pauline, Betty and Deirdre, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and all extended family, neighbours and friends. Liam will be laid to rest on Saturday.

https://rip.ie/death-notice/liam-flynn-leitrim-533188

LEITRIM GAA SUPPORTERS CLUB – REMEMBERING THE LATE HUGHIE SMITH

The Late Hughie Smith.  (Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins GAA)

Members and supporters of the Club were saddened to hear, over the weekend, of the death of Hughie Smith in New York.

Hughie, was born in Corlough Co. Cavan and later lived in Ballynacargy in Co. Westmeath. He moved to Ballinamore in 1966 to serve as an apprentice carpenter with his cousin John Smith at the joinery shop in High St. He played minor for the club that year and graduated on to the Senior team in 1967 along with the likes of “Birdie” Burns and Brian McKiernan.

He went on to win 3-in-a-row Senior Championships in 1967, ’68 & ’69. He also won 5 league medals between 1967 & 1972 along with a further senior championship in 1972.

The 3-in-a-row team of the ‘60s embarked on an historic trip to New York and Boston in 1969, an occasion that will live long in the memory of those who were there.

Renowned as a versatile and stylish footballer, he played at both corner back and at centre half forward for the team. Hughie also represented Leitrim at senior level in both Gaelic Football and Hurling and won a senior club hurling championship with St. Brigids in 1971.

He was also part of the Park committee that undertook to build the new dressing rooms in 1971 and ’72.

There was also an interesting connection that developed later in Hughie’s life. In recent years, by coincidence, our senior men’s team started using the Ballynacargy GAA club pitch as a base to meet up for Championship training. Hughie was delighted to arrive one evening, while home from New York, to meet the Ballinamore players and let them know that the pitch was in fact built on land that was once owned by the Smith family.

A Funeral Mass will take place at Saint Barnabas Church, New York, on Saturday, July 8th, at 11:00am.

Hughie will be brought home to Ireland where he will repose at Smith’s Funeral Home in High St. before returning to his home in Ballynacargy for reposing, Mass & burial. Full details of times for the reposing and burial will be published in due course

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

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