The Late Eugene O'Boyle The sudden and untimely death of Eugene O'Boyle, who died at his home at Sessiasghoneill, Ballybofey, on Saturday, 18th October, cast a deep gloom over the GAA in Donegal. Anyone who knew anything about GAA affairs in this county were deeply shocked at the sad news of his death after a short illness. The high esteem in which he was held all around Donegal was evident with the massive number of friends and mourners who turned up to pay their last respects at his wake and funeral. Many would have liked to express their deepfelt thanks to Eugene for a lifetime devoted to the GAA but his sudden and unexpected death at such an early age deproved them of the opportunity to do so while he was alive. Eugene was born in Glenties but his work took him to Stranorlar, next to McMahons in Glenties and Ballyshannon before finally taking up employment with McBrides Fireplaces in Ballybofey where he worked diligently for the last thirty years. It was no great surprise that Eugen would become involved in the GAA as his cousin, Danny O'Boyle was a former county player before taking up the post of Co. Treasurer in 1958. Eugene's first involvement was when he played as goalkeeper for his home club, Naomh Conaill at juvenile level in the 1950s. He went on to proudly represent his club at minor and senior level. No great surprise then that a man of his talents should proceed to become involved at administrative level at such an early age. The parishioners of Inniskeel will always remember him of the forefront of the Club sliver circles and annual bazaars. He was club secretary of Naomh Conaill when they won the Co. Minor Championship in 1962. It was fitting that he was honoured by Naomh Conaill at their annual dinner last year to remember their achievement of forty years ago. His work commitment took him to Ballybofey and this was a huge bonus to Sean MacCumhaills GAA Club because he became involved immediately and filled many officer positions very honourable and with great dignity up to the time of his death. Never once did he seek recompense from either club or county for his massive time and personal contribution to the Association. A true and unselfish Gael if ever there was one. Above all else he will be remembered for his huge input into underage football at county level. He served as Secretary, Treasurer and Registrar with the Minor Board from the early 1970s until he decided to leave it to others in 1997. He was the mainstay of that Board over the quarter of a century while numerous chairpersons served with him and all to this day will vouch for his immense contribution. They will also quite rightly attribute the success in the 1980s and '90s to the dedication, time, energy and the personal sacrifice of Eugene to the cause. He was secretary when the county made the breakthrough in 1982 with the winning of the All-Ireland by our U-21 team and when our county minors were successful in Ulster in 1985, 1991 and 1996. Much of this success must honestly be attributed to his quiet and effective stewardship. He was the main officer who looked after the needs of our famous 1992 team while they were being groomed at underage level. A true believer in the old Irish proverb, 'an té a chuireann san Earrach bainfidh siad san fhomhair.' Bhí grá agus mórmheas ag Eugene í ngach gné d'ár cultúr agus thaispean sé é seo i gcónai. Níl páirc peile sa Chontae fein nar thug se cuidiú dóibh ar bhealach éigin idir ticéidí a bphriondáil, postaeiri agus cláracha de fhéilte. B'fhurast e a íoc arson an abair mhór a rine sé dóibh mar d'amharc sé ar an obair seo mar chuid de CLC Gael ina raibht a chroí féin go hiomlan. Ní dócha go mbéidh a leithid Eugene arís ag CLG Dhín na nGall Faraoie. To his good wife, Maureen, sister, Annie and his relatives and friends we extend deepest sympathy and we all share your huge loss with you. We are confident that God also wanted Eugene at this time as He must have many roles to fill and who better than Eugene to carry out those roles. His warm, courteous, caring and generous ways of dealing with everyone will be greatly missed but long remembered throughout Donegal. Ar dheis Dé agus faoi chomairce na Maighdine Muire go raibh a anam i gcónaí. P.C. Courtesy of the Donegal Democrat November 23rd 2003 Tweet

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