Members and officers of Naomh Maolmhoig Caislean A Mhuilinn CLG paid a final tribute to their former football star, club secretary and club Hall of Fame recipient John O'Hare by providing a guard of honour as his remains were carried to his final resting place at Bryansford cemetery on Sunday, February 3. A legendary club figure, Castlewellan-born John was the first recipient of the club's highest honour in 1979 when the Hall of Fame award was first introduced as a new club award that year. The award is presented annually to a former or current club member who has carried out exemplary service to the club in their lifetime or who had obtained outstanding achievements for club or county during their playing career. It was fitting and appropriate that John was the first recipient of this award. He was the first Castlewellan and Down player to play on a winning Ulster team in the Railway Cup. That was in 1947 when he was goalkeeper in the Ulster team which won their third Railway Cup by defeating Leinster 1-6 to 0-3 in the final played on March 17 at Croke Park. Proud Holder An outstanding club player too, John played a right half forward on the Castlewellan team which won the Senior championship in 1934 and he also played on the team which claimed the title again in 1936, beating Mayobridge in the final in that year. John is also the proud holder of numerous Feis Sevens winners medals which he won with the Town club in the 1930s/40s and one with St Mary's Aughlisnafinn (the Finn) in 1938, after the Town club folded for a couple of years. His skill made John a regular on the East Down Divisional team which regularly played teams for other areas and in May 1934 he was selected to play at midfield for the Down junior team against Antrim. The team went on to win the Ulster title with John scoring in the final. John was soon selected to play for the County senior team and was a regular for many years, playing in various outfield positions before becoming 'keeper. This was the position he also claimed on the successful Ulster teams of 1947 and 1950 and on the team beaten in the Railway Cup final in 1948 by Munster. Accomplished Athlete John was also an accomplished athlete and he regularly won the high jump event at the annual sports days which were held throughout the country in the 1930s and 1940s. In 1935 he won the competitions at Ballymartin, Kilkeel and Castlewellan and the following year he set a record of 6ft 4ins at Downpatrick before winning the Ulster title at Newry on August 16, 1936. John was also a great clubman and in addition to winning two SFC medals with the Town club, he also played his part in club administration and held down the Secretary's job in 1943 and 1944. Despite the passage of time since John O'Hare wore the town, county and Ulster jerseys with pride and distinction, his achievements for club and county remain as an inspiration to the members of his former club. It was therefore fitting and a source of great pride for the club to learn that before his demise, John had asked his family to ensure that he was wearing his club tie on his final journey. To his widow Agnes, daughter Noreen, sons PJ, Sean and Eugene and to his wider family circle, we offer our sincere condolences. Slán go foill a Shéan. Tweet

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