Colgan, John


It was with great sadness that the club learned of the passing of John (Johnny) Colgan on Tuesday 26th September 2017. Johnny was a very talented footballer. His contribution to the success of the Summerhill club was immense, spanning well over a ten-year period. He played at left half back when Summerhill won the Intermediate Championship for the first time in 1972. His agility and ability in the same position played a huge part in the clubs successful winning of the Senior Football Championship in 1974 for the first time. Indeed, his skill in anticipation and reading of the play took Summerhill out of many a sticky corner, as they went on to retain the Keegan Cup over the following three years ('75, '76, '77). In '75 he swapped the number 7 jersey for the number 2 with equal success. Johnny had an outstanding game when we took on and beat the star-studded St.Vincent's (Dublin) attackers in the Leinster Club Championship final in 1978. His achievements included Feis Cup and tournament wins, and he will certainly be remembered as one of the best corner backs in the game. His sporting interests extended to hurling which he played with Baconstown, winning a Junior Championship in 1974. Johnny was also a keen golfer. A fitting tribute was paid by his team mates who formed a guard of honour at his funeral. Mattie Kerrigan gave a graveside oration and his good friend Brendan 'Hopper' McGrath sang his favourite song, 'The Cocky Farmer'. We extend our deepest sympathy to Johnny's brothers Colm, Declan and Christy, sisters-in-law Bernie and Edel, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephew. 




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