McMullin, Jack
January 26, 2006
A tribute to the late Jack "Cowboy" McMullin
The death occurred last Friday 20th January 2006, after a short illness of Jack McMullin, Drumlonagher. The nickname "Cowboy" was given to Jack by his classmates and it stuck with him since.
Jack had been notes as "One of the Greats" of the Four Masters GAA Club. He first played for the club in 1935 at the age of 16 and he went on to give almost thirty years of service to Donegal football.
He was a very accomplished player and played in thirteen different positions for the club at senior level. Jack was one of the team who lifted the Democrat Cup in 1948 and 1949. He won a Dr Lagan Cup Medal in 1952 when Donegal defeated Armagh at intercounty level, which ensured he was one of the panel of Donegal's first senior team ever to play in Croke Park.
In 1954 he played centre half forward when the Four Masters contested the County Final with Gweedore in Ballbofey; it took them thirty years to get there and would be another 28 years before they arrived there again. He also took part in Fermanagh and Leitrim County Finals.
Jack's last game for the Club was played at the age of 42 years of age. He continued to keep a keen interest in the club games and was a regular at County matches.
One of the many stories told of "Cowboy" was that he was noted for being extremely tidy, and a favourite pastime for club players at that time was to get hold of a pair of Jack's shoes. While taking part in a hurling match at MacCumhaill Park, Jack was in the middle of the field, when he became involved in a heavy "clash of the ash". While players were swinging their hurley's in all directions, Jack noticed that his brother Tim, was wearing his shoes.
It is understood, that he chased Tim all around the field, in order to tell him a thing or two!
As a driver for egg-exporter Christy Gallagher, Jack was widely known throughout the County and in later years he went to work for Eircom. He and his wife Kathleen owned the shop in the Clar Road where Centra currently stands. After selling the shop in April 1982 the family home moved to a few hundred yards away in Drumlonagher to the Mill Lane.
Up until recent ly Jack would walk his beloved dog around the roads of Srumlonagher and no matter what, always had time to stop for a chat with friend or stranger. On of the greats indeed.
Jack's remains were removed from the family home to St Patrick's Church, Donegal Town on Sunday morning. Funeral mass was celebrated by Fr Willie Peoples PP.
The readings were read by Jack's sons Georgie and Maurice while his grandchildren said the prayers of the faithful and brought the gifts to the Altar. Internment took place in St Agatha's Church Clar after the funeral mass.
Jack is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughters, Marion, Catriona and Dympna and sons Georgie and Maurice, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and family circle to whom sympathy is extended.
SMcG
Courtesy of Donegal Democrat
26 January 2006.
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