The Late Joe Pete Hehir The death has occurred recently of Joe Pete Hehir, Rindifin, Gort who was a prominent member of Gort hurling teams of the 1940s and '50s and widely regarded as one of the club's most loyal and dedicated supporters over the years since his retirement as a player. Joe Pete was regarded as a "true gael", such was his devotion to his club and the game of hurling. It was often said that come hail, rain or snow, he would be there whenever Gort would be playing. He won a reputation for fearlessness in his playing days, and was a member of the Gort team which won the South Galway senior hurling title in 1956. Gort GAA club vice president, Mick Cahill, recalled shortly after Joe Pete's death that he had some tough games against him when playing for Kiltartan in the south championship in the 1940s. When his playing days were over, Joe Pete lent his hand at management. He was honourary president of Gort GAA Club - and honour bestowed on him for over 30 years. For the first time, he missed the 2004 annual general meeting due to being hospitalised. Joe Pete was back at the last AGM when he gave his usual rousing address. While Joe Pete's first love was hurling, he also had a strong interest in greyhounds and produced some winners in his day. Throughout his active life, he was a keen gardener and always lent a willing hand to those in need. He also gave good advice and it was almost always laced with an unusual experience from the past. He became well known to growers of malting barley when he worked as a supervisor at Thomas C. Spelman & Co for many years in the 1950s and 60s. A man of quiet disposition, Joe Pete's dignified manner engendered widespread respect. He was never short of words to describe his experiences and people felt very much at home in his company. His passing evoked sadness and regret in the town and countryside. Members of Gort GAA Club formed a guard of honour at his funeral and the coffin was draped in the green and gold of the club. Joe Pete was pre-deceased by his brothers, John, Colie and Padraic and sister, Mary. he is survived by his sister-in-law, nephews and nieces. Courtesy of the Clare Champion 27th May 2005 Tweet

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