White, Niall
June 03, 2011The 23 year old played for his club at every level in both hurling and football, while he represented the Clare footballers at minor, U-21 and senior level.
Niall was also well known amongst soccer fans in the county as a key player with Lifford FC in Ennis.
Amongst the best moments in White's GAA career was when St Joseph's beat Kilmurry Ibrickane in the 2008 U-21 a final replay in Kilmihil. Kilmurry were going on for six successive U-21 titles that day, while St Joseph's win was their first at that level. Niall lined out at full-back that day.
He also played a key role in Clare's defeat of Kerry in Kilmihil in March 2007. Clare won 1-6 to 0-6 with the St Joseph's man playing superbly as The Clare Champion report highlighted, "Once Clare had established a three-point lead, Kerry were unable to narrow the deficit. This was largely down to the excellence of Clare defenders Niall White, Gearoid Meade, John Hayes and Martin McMahon. White and Meade were especially impressive.They read the game intelligently and didn't unduly dive in when under pressure while White's pace is a huge help to the Clare defence."
Joe Garry was the Clare manager that day and was the county minor manager when Niall represented Clare at the grade.
"A gentleman to deal with both on and off the field. He was held in great esteem and had the respect of everyone involved; both management and players," was how Garry described the unmistakably blond haired full or corner back.
"If every player that wore the Clare jersey wore it with the same pride and the same honesty of purpose that Niall did, Clare football fortunes would rise rapidly. He was a joy to work with. He was the first player you'd pencil into your team," Garry added. The Cooraclare man recalled Niall White's excellent display against Kerry four years ago.
"He gave an outstanding display against the Kerry in Kilmihil that year. It was probably his best game in a Clare jersey. He epitomised all that was best in team sports because he gave completely unselfishly. He never shirked a challenge. Without ever opening his mouth, he was a leader on the team. He was the player you'd want most at your side going into championship," Garry said.
St Joseph's first round senior football championship game against Miltown has been postponed until Friday week. Every player who lines out in the other seven games this weekend will do so carrying fond memories of Niall White, one of the county's finest young men and footballers, who will be laid to rest in Drumcliffe cemetery on Thursday.
Courtesy of The Clare Champion
3rd June 2011 Tweet
