The late Stephen Campbell To say that there was shock and sadness in caragh at the sudden and untimely passing of Stephen (Stevie) Campbell would be something of an understatement, for that genuine grief and sense of loss was felt in the wider GAA community all over Kildare. Stevie was one of those men who are quite simply the life and soul of the GAA clubs the length and breadth of Ireland. No mean footballer and hurler in his youth, he won senior and championship medals in both codes. Following his retirement, he took up refereeing and it was here that he really made his mark, becoming one of the most respected knights of the whistle in the county. He refereed several county senior football finals both inside and outside Kildare and was held in high esteem over a long number of years. Indeed if there are football games in Heaven, I have no doubt that they will ask Stevie to referee. It was, however, when he steeped down from refereeing that Stevie's real worth to the club became evident. As one prominent Raheens club man put it, "he was always there to do any job that was asked of him". That point was rather poignantly brought home to Raheens players when they returned to training after the funeral. There was no ice in the baths, no showers or lights turned on. Stevie wasn't there anymore. His passing leaves a void in the community, in the larger GAA family and will be most deeply felt amongst his own. To anne, May, and family, as well as to all who mourn a true Gael, we offer deepest sympathy. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam siorai. Courtesy of The Leinster Leader 09 November 2006 Tweet

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