Former Kilkenny and Tullaroan hurler Shem Downey was laid to rest last week, aged 91. He was a member of the senior inter-county team between 1946 and 1954. He was part of the Kilkenny side that won the memorable 1947 All-Ireland final against Cork, by 0-14 to 2-7.
Shem also won three Leinster titles with the Cats, and played in the All Ireland minor hurling final in 1939. He played alongside fellow greats Pat 'Diamond' Hayden, Peter Prendergast, Terry Leahy, Jim Langton and Paddy Buggy, the former GAA president who died earlier this year.
Playing on the midfield and half forward line for his club Tullaoroan, he played in five county finals, winning one in 1948. He remained committed and interested in the game long after his playing days had ended.
He was also passionate about camogie. His daughters, Angela and Ann, enjoyed enormous success in the sport, winning 12 All-Ireland camogie medals each and 13 club titles between them.
Shem Downey was born in Conahy on January 5, 1922. He lived in Ballyragget for many years, where he plied his trade as a butcher, on the Square. It was in Ballyragget where he reared his family.
Husband of the late Brigid his passing his deeply regretted by his son James, daughters Olga, Ann, Angela and Maria, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grand-children, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Removal took place from his residence to St. Patrick's Church, Ballyragget on Tuesday last for 11 o'c Mass, followed by burial in St. Finnan's Cemetery, Ballyragget.
A moving tribute was paid to Shem Downey by County Board Chairman Ned Quinn. Among those attending were RTE legend Michael O'Muircheartaigh.

Kilkenny People, 3rd January 2014 Tweet

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