It was with sadness that the Gaels of the Lurgan area and further afield learned of the death of Harry Henderson of Clann Eireann. While he was the twin brother of the great Isaac of 1953 County fame, he was a player of considerable skill and acumen in his own right. He began and ended his career as a stalwart Clann Eireann defender in the half back line. His terrier-like, dogged defensive qualities brought him County Championship medals at two levels - Junior in 1946 and Senior in 1954. He won League medals as well and was a regular team member with Clann Eireann until the middle 50s. Harry's fame was such that he would have been pencilled in to any Lurgan selection of the 1940s and early 50s when there was a plethora of skilled players in most positions. I remember in an idle moment, of which there were few, at a County Executive Meeting discussing with my brother-in-law, the late Dan McAreavy, who was then County Chairman, a team for that age. It was something like this. In goals Fra McCrory of Clann Eireann, full backs Fr Fan McGeown (Sarsfields), Jim 'Tidsy' McKerr Senior (Clan na Gael), Harry McPartland (Wolfe Tones), Harry Henderson (Clann Eireann), Gerry McStay (Clan na Gael), Sean Quinn (Sarsfields), Jack Gallery (St Peter's), John McCarron (Wolfe Tones), JB Seeley (Clan na Gael), Sean Blaney (Clann Eireann), Bill McCorry (Wolfe Tones), Isaac Henderson (Clann Eireann), Gerry Fagan ( Clann Eireann), Nealie Moore (St Peter's). We also posited the fact that it was a pity some were not available in 1953 on All-Ireland Final Day. Harry was well able to be in such exalted company and graced the fields of Armagh in his proudly worn Clann Eireann colours. How his name and great reputation is carried by his grandson, Ryan Henderson for the same club and county; successful at U-21 level and who knows what else for the future. On behalf of all Clann Eireann club members, past and present. We tender sincere sympathy to Harry's family and extended family. Go nDeanaidh Dial trocaire ar a anam dilis. Courtesy of the Armagh Observer 3rd February 2005 Tweet

Most Read Stories