The late William Boyle William Boyle was born in 1910 a gentle man in his own way and a man loved by all who knew him. He had a long and distinguished playing career with the Ardara GAA Club and one which he was very proud of. His death took place on Friday 24th February, one day short of his 96th birthday. His first appearnace for Ardara was when he lined out for the senior team in 1928, that was when the Club won its third Senior Championship title winning his first Championship medal. He was involved in three County Senior Finals in all -1928, 1936 and 1938. He added to that 2 Democrat Cup Medals in 1931 and 1943. A big strong man he was the fear of many players when he lined out mostly at midfield but there were times also when he played in the back line. WIlliam also served his time playing with Doengal and was involved from 1933 to 1935, playing in the Ulster Junior Championship. He was also a member of the Donegal Panel who played in the 1933 All-Ireland Final, but due to commitments at home was unable to travel to Croke Park. As he used to say himself: "In those days when there was work to be done at home, you had to stay and do it." William was a weaver by trade but also had a great love of animals and the great outdoors. He also took great interest in the development of Pearse Memorial Park and was involved in its purchase and during that initial period gave much of his time voluntarily in draining the pitch and maintaining the grounds. He married Mary Rose McHugh, who was one of the top camogie players of the thirties and they lived at Kentucky, Ardara, adjacent to the Pearse Memorial Park. He was honoured with the "Hall of Fame" Award in 1990. He was always a man who gave great advice to the many players down through the years and would always tell them "whenever you get an opportunity take it, as you only get it once". He took great pride in watching his son John play for both Club and County. In they years 2000 when Ardara won the County Final William had just turned 90 and was proud to be part of the celebrations when the Dr Maguire visited Ardara. He took great interest in his grandchildren Jonathan, Brendan, Derek, Yvonne and Carmel Boyle and Catherine Herrity who have carried on his great tradition of gaelic playing as all of them have represented both Club and County at underage and adult level. His great grandson Stefan is also showing his talent at U-8 level. He always maintained his interest in GAA and watched his family involvement even up to his time of death. His funeral took place to the Church of the Holy Family, Ardara, where he was laid to rest in the adjoining graveyard alongside his wife Mary Rose who died in May of 2005. Ardara GAA Club members had a guard of honour in his memory. We offer our sympathy to his son John, daughters Kathleen and Sadie, and the wide family circle. Ar dheis De go rabh a anam. C.L.G Ard An Ratha Courtesy of the Donegal Democrat 02 March 2006 Tweet

Most Read Stories