The late John Lennon St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh was filled to capacity for the funeral of a 50-year-old city father of four whose most untimely death sent shock waves through the community such was the enormity of his popularity. John (Sean) Lennon, a native of Clady was married to local girl Mary Goulding and along with their children Simon, Ultan, Conan and Aoife resided at Ardmore Avenue, Armagh. The family is totally devastated at the sudden loss of a husband and father who was so kind and caring. John was a chef by trade and over the years had worked in various local hotels and restaurants and was widely known in business and professional circles. He was very much engaged in sp ort, a hobby he passed on to his children. As a young man growing up in Clady he was involved with the local Sean Sabhat GFC and played for the club at various levels. When he retired he changed to management and was in charge of the senior team. On moving to live in Armagh he became involved with the Armagh City FC and was a member of the club's youth committee as well as helping to run the U17 team. Armagh City Chairman, Nigel Cooke said John was an extremely energetic and popular member of the Armagh City Youth Committee. "He was a dedicated and committed man, with a sharp and infectious sense of humour. He will be sadly missed by everyone associated with the Club". Sport played such a sizeable role in John's life that he seldom talked about anything else. His uncle Johnny Lennon played county football for Armagh something which John invariably spoke about with a great sense of pride and belonging. He developed a great love for Armagh football and was an ardent fan of the County Team. John's devotion to sport singled him out as quite an exceptional person, depicting all that is good and meaningful in hobbies and pastimes. Sport in Armagh has lost a very dear friend but his spirit will live on. He was also very much community orientated and was a founder member of Mount Saint Catherine's Primary School Parents' Association. He was so well known and highly respected. He always had a warm smile and kind greeting for everyone. He enjoyed nothing better than a good lively debate and a bit of banter and was the type who always liked to get the party into swing. John had some rare sayings and was a character in his own right. Mourners in exceptionally high numbers turned out to pay their final respects to a man who had made so many friends and contacts through his work, involvement with sport and as a leading community activist. Various groups formed a guard of honour. John was immensely proud of his family although he didn't wear his heart on his sleeve. He encouraged them in their sporting pursuits in keeping with family tradition. He was such an integral part of the community and so much admired for his sincerity, warmth, intellect and humour. His openness of mind and heart will not be easily forgotten. His many friends are lamenting his sudden and tragic loss. To his sorrowing wife and family, mother and father, Patrick and Mary, sister Eileen and brothers Brendan and Pat Heartfelt sympathy is extended. It is impossible to appreciate the great loss which they now bear but John's memories are fond and plentiful and this should help in some small way to console them. John will be remembered with fondness, affection and respect. Courtesy of the Armagh Observer 06 April 2006 Tweet

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