Seamie Harmon was laid to rest in Bennekerry last Tuesday, February 12 in sunshine that had so much appeal for him in life. His remains were accompanied to the graveside by a huge throng of people, as was the case on the Monday night when his remains were brought to St Mary's Church, Pennekerry, as a vast crowd of people came to pay their respects and show their appreciation of all the work he did so freely for the people of Bennekerry and further afield. The obvious care and devotion shown by members of his own family in the past few years when he was declining in health was an example to all, and his popularity with the younger generation was beautifully illustrated when the Mass servers (all girls) spontaneously donated their money to the collection in aid of the Sacred Heart Hospital and the Alzheirner's Society. What a lovely tribute to him in this age of greed. In his early sporting days, in Bennekerry NS, he played at midfield with the late Jimmy Hayes when the school won the Schools' Championship in '39, under the directions of the late Mr Liam Hayes, School Principal. Seamie continued as a very important member of the Palatine senior football team where, as in his school days, he starred at mid-field for many years, and had the wonderful experience of winning the 1952 County Senior Final. A left footed kicker, he was an excellent fielder of the ball and, with Paddy Metcalfe as his partner, made life very difficult for the opposing team. For far too long it looked as if Pal supporters would have to recall '52 for ever, until last year, when victory was eventually achieved. No doubt he didn't mind the fact that there were, now, new heroes in the Club and it was nice that 54 years after his own achievement, he could watch these lads, with pride, bringing the Senior Championship back to Pal. He didn't disappear from the football scene on retirement from the field of play, but served as secretary of the club for many years. He played a very important role, and spent many hours, at the weekly meetings of the special Development Committee that built the Original clubhouse and developed the playing pitch in Bennekerry in the early '80s. He spent many more hours, in a voluntary capacity, as nanager of the clubhouse and running the bar for the benefit of the members of the local community. Little wonder then, that the club members showed their appreciation of his contribution to Pal and elected him to the prestigious position of president of the club some years ago. His interests weren't confined to the football field only, as he had a life long interest in Politics and was a member of Carlow County Council from 1974 to 1979. He must have listened to Liam Hayes talking politics, as keenly as he listened to his tactical talks on football, but many people, who were helped by him during his years in politics, were very glad that he did listen. His other great interest was dancing and the co-ordination that he developed on the football field was gracefully transferred to the dancing floor as he and his wife Peg, floated in unison to the beat of the music. His fine posture added to his wonderful talent on the floor. To his wife, Peg, his sons Lesley, Dick and Johnny; his daughters Josie, Noeleen, Bernie and Rosie; Barry and all his grandchildren, his sister Evelyn and to all his relations, we extend sincerest sympathy. Go ndeana Dia trocaire ar a anam uasal. Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist 22 February 2008 Tweet

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