Lawlor, John
April 21, 2011John Lawlor who died 18th March aged 75 years, lived and worked all his life on the family farm at Dineen, Ardfert. He married Maura Norton in 1980 and they were blessed with two sons, Sean and Richard.
John, the hurler had a commanding presence on the field of play. Though slight of build, he had a class about him that set him apart. Noted for his superb blocking, hooking and flicking skills, he was one of the top halfbacks of his era.
John played in three county senior hurling finals with Ardfert. Although on the losing side in both 1961 and '62, he eventually won that coveted medal in 1967 when St. Brendan's beat Crotta O'Neills in the final. He wore the No 6 jersey that day, giving one of his finest performances in the process.
He continued to serve the club on the playing field for a few years after that, in a senior career that stretched from 1957 to the early 1970s. He hurled at intermediate level with Banna and represented Kerry throughout the 1960s at junior and intermediate levels.
When his playing says ended, he willingly took to the administrative side of the GAA. He represented Banna at a number of County Conventions, and when the St. Brendan's club was re-organised in 1973, he took on the role of vice-chairman. He became chairman in 1974, also serving as treasurer and was a selector to various underage and minor teams.
He had a lifelong interest in hurling and always followed the fortunes of Ardfert and Kerry. The St Brendan's Club was honoured to provide a guard of honour at his funeral, a final tribute to one of their greatest players.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.
Courtesy of the Kerry Eye
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