What should have been a joyous week leading up to one of the biggest events in the calendar year an Ulster Club final was plunged into sadness as we learned of the sudden death of Eugene McGeehan former chairman of the club at a young age of 54.
For anyone this was too soon to leave the people he loved most. When I first met the man in the 80s we were working in New Mossley in Newtownabbey area. He never changed always the cool head and nothing bothered him greatly. Very much a family man. Travelling in a van with Wee Bob, Noogie, The Hope, Mick Joe, Bertie and Niall and a few others the journey was quick. On many a cold day the cold sandwich was greeted across the back seat, 'Boy Bridget makes good Soup'. There was nobody like Bridget and the boys to Noogie.
Noogie was very much a clubman through and through, he could have sold snow to the Eskimos. The weekly lotto intake was greatly enhanced when he came in the door. The little card box box he carried was all organised to a tee. He knew all his customers letters off by heart and took great pride in taking back a few pounds to them.
We all took it for granted when the gates were left open and the doors unlocked, Noogie was always on hand to do the business. No matter when he did it was done to the best he could. His pride of place was his family and during my many conversations with him we talked about how proud he was of the boys playing for club and county. He often talked about the All Ireland Minor Final and the width of that post and what would have happened had it went it.
Sadly for his family his sudden passing leaves a great void but they will have vivid memories of a great man and friend. To Bridget, Cathal, Ryan and Gavin and the whole McGeehan Family we send you our deepest sympathies on your huge loss. Is feidir Suaimhneas Siorai da anam.

Derry Post, 3rd December 2013 Tweet

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