The Late Anselm Reynolds, Foxfield, Fenagh – An Appreciation 

All members of Leitrim GAA were saddened with the recent passing of Anselm Reynolds, Foxfield, Fenagh. Anselm, a former Primary School Teacher and Principal, gave a lifetime of dedication to the GAA both locally and at County level with his involvement including many varied officerships both at senior and underage level in the county over five decades. Anselm’s interest in the progression of youth, be it in his earlier teaching days in the parish of Kiltubrid or later in his career in Fenagh is legendary and the very essence of what the GAA at local level always was and should always remain, an organisation that caters for all and finds place for all and where participation is key. 

Inevitably with such an interest in promoting GAA matters locally, Anselm became predominantly at County Level an Officer of what was then known as Bórd na nÓg and more recently became known as Coiste na nÓg. Holding many various positions on these committees Anselm could always be relied on for cool calm and collected thinking in dealing with contentious issues that may have arisen on various occasions. He was a familiar and friendly face at gates at many venues around the county in his role as treasurer at many underage finals through the 1990’s and into the early years of the 2000’s, having succeeded another great Fenagh man, the late Tom McLoughlin as Treasurer of Coiste na nÓg. Anselm had many proud GAA moments in his lifetime of involvement in Leitrim GAA and Coiste na nÓg. Standing tall among them we are sure is Leitrim winning the Connacht MFC in July1998 and going on to play Tyrone in the All-Ireland semi final in CrokePark in August. It was fitting that a person who had given a lifetime of dedication in the promotion of youth in the GAA should share in the excitement of that summer. Anselm continued his involvement in Coiste ns nÓg Liatroma and was a member of the local organising committee of Féile Peil Náisiúnta na nÓg which was hosted by Leitrim in 2007 and the event proved to be a resounding success as teams from all over Ireland and beyond these shores arrived in our county for a glorious July weekend and Anselm was a dedicated member of the committee in delivering this successful venture.

For the record, the genial Anselm served in the following main officer positions with Leitrim GAA:

Bord na nÓg Chairman 1964-1967 and 1970

Bórd na nÓg Vice Chair 1968-1969  and  1977

Bórd na nÓg Secretary  1960-1962  and 1974-1976

Bórd na nÓg Treasurer 1995-2002   

Assistant Secretary Senior Board 1963-1970

Unfortunately, in more recent times Anselm experienced failing health and on Sunday last news spread that he had passed on to his eternal reward. He was laid to rest in the grounds of Fenagh Abbey Cemetery on Tuesday last. All associated with Leitrim GAA convey our sympathies to his wife Eileen, sons Anselm Óg, Damien, Ronan, daughters Aideen and Fidelma, his sisters Máire, Detta and Anna, and all the extended Reynolds family. We have been privileged to have known Anselm and to have shared in his great wisdom and gentleness over many years.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé. 

02-Jul-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO