The Late John Hynes Towards the end of 1982, a small group of hurling enthusiasts, headed by Tom Malone, formed the West Clare hurling board to promote and organise hurling within the traditional football area of the County. John Hynes form Ennistymon was part of this group and while hurling was well established in his own region, he devoted time and energy to put the game on a secure footing. During the last twenty years, he held various posts within the board and he was vice president during the past year until his untimely death. While his beloved Ennistymon had first call on his leadership talents, he still managed to devote many hours to the promotion of the West Clare hurling board. He served as a selector with a number of West Clare hurling teams. He was a conscientious fund raiser for the board and while he held strong views at board meetings, he was always ready to meet for a chat once the meetings ended. He served on many fixtures committees over the years and he was always careful to legislate for dual players. He was a loyal and fervent supporter of all Clare teams, hurling, football, camogie and ladies football and he travelled all over the country to support the Saffron and Blue. A man of quiet demeanour, he would make himself heard when Clare teams took to the field. As a time when supporters clubs were viewed with scepticism by the G.A.A. hierarchy, John was to the fore when the Clare G.A.A. supporters club was formed towards the end of 1982. He played a big part in the production, distribution and sale of the quarterly magazine, "The Supporter". He helped build up a membership of over three hundred supporters at a time when Clare teams didn't have th profile that they do now. He played a big part in the organisation of various functions including. One in the Queens Hotel in 1984 to honour the Clare "Teams of the decades" when the best players over a thirty year span from 1955 to 1984 in hurling and football were made a presentation. Back then, John was always optimistic that Clare would make the breakthrough for Munster and All-Ireland success and he was overcome with emotion and pride when the footballers won in '92 in Munster and when the hurlers won the All-Ireland in '95. A pall of gloom descended over the county at large when the news of his sad death broke. All of us have lost a staunch colleague and some of us a true friend. We extend deepest sympathy to his mother, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends. The void he has left will not be easily filled. Paddy McDonnell, PRO West Clare Hurling Board. Courtesy of the Clare Champion December 2002 Tweet

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