The late John Porter The hundreds of mourners who turned out for the funeral of Carndonagh born John Porter, at Christ The King RC Church, Glasgow, on Saturday 12th August 2006, showed the respect he and his family had among their friends, work-mates, fellow gaels and among the Irish community at large in Glasgow and the people of Leitir, Co. Donegal, where the family have a house. John was a founder member of Tir Conaill Harps GAC in the south side of Glasgow and over the years held numerous positions in the club including chairman form 1997 to 1999. It was no coincidence that the club enjoyed it's most successful sporting achievement winning the under 16s club football championship of Britain during his tenure. John got involved in the club through his children Kevin and Emma who played for the football and camogie team respectively. He was one of those rare breeds in the GAA - a parent who was willing to get actively involved in the club. It didn't end their. He managed to recruit his wife Isabel onto the club committee, too. When the club formed a senior football team, John was always on hand to turn out when they were short of players and whenever needed he associated with coaching underage teams, also. Similar to how he was in his business life he put a lot of effort into whatever post he held in the club. John was also a club sponsor too. He sponsored numerous events and teams over a long period of time, through his construction firm, Carn Construction. It was a fitting tribute to him that so many former club members and players turned out to honour his life. I have spoke to many people and shared many happy memories of matches and trips away. My own favourite goes back to the final of the British provincial championship in 1998. The manager of our opponents that day had a soft spoken Kerry accent and he patrolled the sideline and more often than not on the pitch, doing his best to relay information on to his charges. This proved to be a difficult task as John decided to so a man marking job on him. Every time he tried to get instructions onto the field, John would be behind him roaring "c'mon Tir Conaill" at the top of his voice much to the amusement of everyone apart from the luckless manager. I don't know how much of a factor it was in winning the game, but it certainly did bring a smile to the face of everyone at the game. I was privileged like many others in the club to know him as a friend and a fellow club man over our formative years. There is no doubt his contribution had helped shape the club we have now. In due course when the time is right I am sure the club will organise a fitting tribute to this great man. Tommy Main Courtesy of The Donegal Demorcrat 24/08/2006 Tweet

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