The Late Fr Sean Reid The recent death of Fr Sean Reid, in New York, cast a huge cloud of sorrow over the entire US GAA world. Fr Sean was a proud native of Ballyhale, Co.Kilkenny and a life long promoter of the old camán game and his native county teams, at home and in exile. His passing on All-Ireland hurling Sunday, when his beloved Kilkenny teams senior and minor were winning national titles at Croke Park made his death all the more poignant. Fr Sean was ordained in 1933 and came to New York shortly afterwards. He soon became an active member of the enterpprising Kilkenny Association and of course its fine hurling and football teams. He even played some outstanding games with the Black and Amber and was always so proud of being able to wear the famed sweater. With his good friend, John Byrne, from Goresbridge, former popular sports editor of the Irish Echo, his helped Kilkenny teams win championships and was instrumental in bringing the late and famed Terry Leahy to New York after the thrilling All-Ireland 1947 win. Terry was to lead the back and amber to serveral New York championships later. With another well known Kilkennyman in New York the late Judge James Comerford, from Castlecomer, he became a leading light in the city's world renowned St. Patrick's Day parades. He was honoured by the committee with the prestigious title of Parade Marshal in 1964. Fr Sean was also a close friend of the late John Kerry O'Donnell, ower of Gaelic Park and great supporter of Ireland's national pastimes. He also served with distinction in the role of President of New York GAA for two terms during which the association made great strides in the promotion of the games. Outside of New York Fr Sean was equally popular in the ranks of the GAA and had countless friends all over the US. With John Byrnes, again he was instrumental in helping the fledging Chicago GAA by bringing New York teams to Chicago and arranging for Chicago teams to play at Gaelic Park. Kilkenny All-Ireland winners in 1963 and again in '67 visited Chicago after their games in New York and Fr Sean and John Byrne helped to make that possible, and accompanied the teams. But, above and beyond all of this, Fr Sean was a devoted Carmelite priest and he leaves behind a legacy of devotion to God and fellowman. His legion of friends will miss his smiling face, his inspiration and encouragement. He was a role model who always led along the right path and we may never see his likes again, but shall always be happy that we could call him friend. His huge wake at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown, New York and his burial at the Shrine which he loved so well, testified to his popularity, among all ethnic groups. We join with his countless friends in extending our deepest sumpathy in his brother in Kilkenny and his sister in Waterford and the entire Reid family. May the green sod which he loved so well rest lightly on his stout hear and nobel brow Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm Courtesy of the Kilkenny People 5th October By Pat Hennessy Tweet

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