The Late Joe Lynch Joe Lynch of Innishanon and Valley Rovers passed to his eternal reward on May 26 last, after an illness borne with dignity. He died in the presence of his beloved family, his loving wife Kathleen, son John and his wife Ann and their children, together with his elder brothers Batty and Freddy and extended family. Joe had a great love for his native Innishannon and Valley Rovers, with the game of hurling being a life-long passion, and the people who played it. He was often, in conversation about the game, heard to say, even of the greatest hurlers, "Ah sure, he was a handy hurler." And Joe himself was indeed "a handy hurler", and he represented his beloved Valley Rovers on the playing fields from 1954 to 1971, at Junior A grade. In 1957, he played at midfield, in the side which lost the south-east final to Tracton, who eventually went on to win the County JAHC title. But his favourite position was full-back and he played there in some notable games, and on the teams that won the following hurling titles in the south-east division - 1965 : League v Ballinhassig; 1966 Championship final v Crosshaven; 1967: Championship final v Crosshaven: 1968 Championship final v Tracton - and was also on the side that lost to Crosshaven in the 1969 JAHC final. As well as being proud to wear the green and white of the Rovers he was also very proud to don the black and amber jersey of Carrigdhooun in the Cork senior hurling championship, again at full-back, in the late '60s. Notably in 1968, he was captain of the divisional team, playing in front of a then youthful Martin Coleman from Ballinhassig, who was later to become Cork's goalkeeper in the 3-in-a row teams that won the All-Irelands of 1976, 1977 and 1978. Also in 1967, Joe had the unique honour of holding Blackrock's and Cork's full forward John Bennett scoreless in the county senior hurling championship semi-final. Having retired from playing activity, Joe continued ro be involved with the selectorial committees of both the junior and under 21 hurling teams of Valley's leading the under 21s to south-east championship victories in 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977. He also remained involved with Carrigdhoun, being Valley Rovers representative on several Carrigdhoun senior hurling selection committees. And, in later years, Joe remained a loyal supporter of his beloved club Valley Rovers. Joe too, was a great "consultant" with regard to great events, players and matches in the world of GAA, at club or county level, and often, when one got stuck for an answer in any debate on GAA, one would hear "ask Lynchy", as he was affectionately known. Joe was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and when he died last May aged 70 years, he died as he lived, everyone's friend. May the sod of your beloved Innishannon rest lightly on you, Joe. Go ndeana Dia trocaire ar a anam. Courtesy of the Southern Star 3rd September 2005 Tweet

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