The sudden death last week of Des Guerin, St, Michael's Villas, Ennis, brought back memories of Ennis CBS winning their first and only Dr Harty Cup, Munster Colleges senior hurling championship in 1961. Des played at corner-forward on the CBS team which beat St Flannan's College in a memorable and all Ennis final at Cusack Park, Ennis in 1962. In a thrilling game watched by a capacity attendance, CBS won by a point on a scoreline of 4-2 to 2-7 after a great goal-line save by Michael Hayes. Among the attendance were past pupiles of both schools who travelled from all parts of the country to cheer on their alma mater. A very skillful player, Des wore the number 13 jersey with distinction and played a prominent part all through the Harty Cup campaign for Ennis CBS. They drew with the big Dan Quigley (full-back) inspired St Peter's College, Wexford in the All-Ireland Colleges final in Thurles and while the Wexford side won the replay in Croke Park, Des played his heart out and scored two goals. He also had the distinction of winning a Clare minor A hurling championship with Ennis Rovers. In the final, played in a snowfall in Tulla in November 1961, they beat Newmarket-on-Fergus. Outside of hurling, Des was an accomplished golfer and won a captain's prize in Ennis. He was also keen on wild-life shooting and squash. Aged 65 and a son of the late Patrick and Eileen Guerin, Des worked for many years with De Beers in Shannon Industrial Estate and after taking early retirement, helped with the family owned bus transport business. His death took place on December 14 and his remains were removed from Daly's Mortuary Chapel, Ennis to Ennis Cathedral on December 16. There was a large attendance at the mass and funeral to Drumcliffe Cemetery on the following day. He is survived by his brother, Joe (Dublin), sister, Helen Ward, Coonagh; sisters-in-law; brother-in-law; nephews; niece and many friends. Tweet

Most Read Stories