The late Martin McGeehan Never in ones wildest dreams could we have thought that after losing the Ulster Club final in those horrific conditions in Casement Park could we envisage what was to change the face of our club in matter of a few small hours. Martin McGeehan died suddenly at home. He was buried in Ballinderry, his coffin bearing the proud colours of his beloved Shamrocks and his Second Love Derry. The shock of this stunned the Ballinderry Community into silence and there was an unbelievable sense of loss. Our Club Secretary had left us and such was the realisation that we had taken everything for granted. Our leader was gone and when one would sit down and visualise what he had fitted in those twelve years for most of us it would be an eternity, Martin never complained about it he just got in with it. That blemished smile will be sadly missed in the Committee room. Many an argument we had but all for the one cause "The Club". He never held a grudge just a grin and quietly smoothed over the proceedings. One legacy he will always have on his memory is the hard work in making sure the Clubs name is on every County Final programme having won that famous "three in a row". I witnessed that face the evening the word came through "Elation" and a "Smile". It was one of his happiest moments which will rank alongside the All Ireland win in Thurles. It will not be the same place when the key is inserted on the lock in the clubhouse. The place will be quiet and the chair beside the door will be empty but his spirit will live on. As League Secretary and Minor Board Secretary a few years back we refereed games under his guidance. Six o'clock was a bad time in the evening and looking forward to the spuds. But all we got was the dreaded phone call and "Are you busy" before one could get yes out "I need you to go to Swatragh". "Right ring me the Score" and the phone hung up and the dinner ready was for the dog. Sunday morning after Mass time, (if a man had a hangover he had to disconnect the phone), a free Sunday to watch the club and the phone rings "What are you at" (knowing fine well you are only wakened), "Could you got to Slaughtmanus" all in the one breath as if it were only down the road to Bellagherty "don't let me down". A row with the wife later was disaster because when you rung back "Wee Bob was gone". That was him in a nutshell he fulfiled the fixtures with the minimum fuss and had all the tricks of the trade up his sleeve. Many referees can verify the same thing you simply could not refuse you didn't get a chance to. Such was the liking for the "Man" by virtue of the thousands of people who attended his wake and his funeral. I hope he was watching from above by God there would have been the widest grin. The words echoed to me in the chilling graveyard from Gerry Donnelly who paid homage to Martin and uttered the remarks "Martin got no ordinary funeral today, he got a State funeral". No words will ever be so true. It was an emotional day for his family as they proudly laid their loved one to rest. They will remember forever but Sunday was the day whey will not forget because the "Great wee Man" got the greatest final journey he so richly deserved, one we all would love, carringly carried like a King among his people, his GAA family guiding him to his final resting place. May the "Great wee Man" rest in peace. We will miss him, sorely around Shamrock Park. A few final words to close another Chapter in the History of the Club, Martin the Secretary, the Gael, the Quiet Man, the Positive Thinker, the Professional and one of the best in the business. Thanks for everything. Our deepest Sympathy goes out to Suzie, Stephen, Darren, Mark, Tanya, Shea, Nicola, Mick Joe, Seamus, John, Paddy, Eugene, Niall, Aiden, Declan, Mary Theresa, Patricia, Collette, Pauline and all the McGeehan Family Circle on the death of Martin. Mary Queen of Gael Pray for him. Many thanks on behalf of the club to everyone who attended the funeral belonging to the Shamrock Club. To all the players at all levels who showed why we are respected all over the country. I'm sure Martin would have been proud of the guard of honour from the Senior players who showed so much dignity and honour to their club secretary. Martin always had a soft spot for our Under 14 teams and they did themselves proud also. Thanks also to the Camogie girls who also paid their tribute. Finally I am sure the McGeehan family in their own way would like to thank everyone who attended the wake and funeral. They were overwhelmed by the turnout and we were all proud to be part of it. M.McE. Courtesy of The Mid Ulster Observer 21 December 2006 Tweet

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