Renowned footballer Eugene lived most of his life in London

Eugene Byrne, who passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday 11 December at a London hospital, was a native of 29 Staplestown Road, Carlow. Although he had lived in London for almost 50 years, Eugene kept in touch with his family in Carlow on a weekly basis through a Sunday morning phone call to his brother Denis. Eugene, who was 68, played Gaelic football for Eire Og and was a member of the team which won Carlow's first under-21 football championship in 1964.

Eugene worked campaigns at the sugar factory in Carlow. He was then employed in Twomey's grocery shop, Tullow Street, and later in Drummonds seed merchants, Pembroke, before emigrating to the English capital in the late 1960s.

He was employed in Hammersmith initially by an Irishman before taking up employment as a barman in an Irish pub. For the remainder of his working life, Eugene worked in the bar trade,
being highly regarded as a barman. He lived in the Wembley area of London.

Every year, Eugene came home to Carlow on summer holidays, where he renewed many friendships, particularly with his former football colleagues.

Throughout his years in England, Eugene maintained a close interest in Gaelic football and hurling, with the status of Eire Og being a particular priority. He had been in failing health in recent times but had only been hospitalised for a week at the time of his passing.

Eugene was one of 12 children of the late Paddy and Dora (nee Parr) Byrne - both his parents being Carlow town natives. He was predeceased by brothers Tony (Birmingham, England), Pascal (Bedford, England) and Edward (Middlesbrough, England).

Eugene's remains were flown home to Carpenter's Funeral Home, Barrack Street before removal to the Cathedral of the Assumption on Friday night, 11 January.

Fr John Cummins, celebrated Eugene's funeral Mass on Saturday morning. The reading at Mass was by Eugene's sister, Therese Mohan, while the Prayers of the Faithful were recited by nephews Neil Dimmock, Ronald Mohan and David Byrne.

The Offertory gifts were presented by his sisters Dolores Grant and Dorothy Dimmock.

In a eulogy at the end of Mass, Eugene's nephew Tony Byrne paid a fitting tribute to the qualities he brought to his life.

A lovely booklet was prepared for the Mass, which carried two photos of Eugene - one as a young man and the other a recent picture - while on the back page was a photo of the Eire Og U21 team of 1964.

After Mass, Eugene was laid to rest in St Mary's Cemetery with his parents. Fr Cummins recited the final prayers at the graveside.

Afterwards, a reception was held at Carpenter's Lounge, when Eugene was remembered with great affection by family and friends.

He is survived by brothers Denis and Ronald (both 29 Staplestown Road), sisters Therese (Essex), Dorothy (Essex), Anna (Australia), Bernadette (Bernie) (Leighton Buzzard, Buckinghamshire) and Dolores (Aberdeen), by his nephews, nieces, extended family and many friends in sport in the Carlow area.


Courtesy of The Carlow Nationalist. Tweet

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