Former Leitrim footballer Joe Canning has passed away after a brave battle with illness.

Joe, who proudly represented his native Gortletteragh and Leitrim, died suddenly yesterday at his Westmeath home. He won a Leitrim SFC title with the Annaghmore based club in 1970 and enjoyed a spell playing for the county seniors. He then moved to Mullingar where he became heavily involved in St Loman's GAA club.

One of Joe's proudest GAA moments was seeing his son Aidan captain Westmeath to All-Ireland U21FC glory in 1999 when Kerry were defeated in an historic final at Limerick's Gaelic Grounds. Aidan went on to line out with the Westmeath senior team and is now a coach at St Loman's GAA while another son Derek also played with the Mullingar club.

St Loman's GAA have paid a heartfelt tribute to their late club stalwart on Facebook:

Joe's death notice on RIP.ie reads:

Joe Canning (Clongowney, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath and formerly of Bohey, Co. Leitrim) passed away peacefully on June 2, 2020, at home in the devoted care of his loving wife and family, after an illness borne with great dignity. Predeceased by his parents James and Margaret and his brother Jimmy; Joe will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Rose, his dear sons Aidan and Derek and daughter Orla, his adored grandchildren Shane, Ryan, David, Josh, Ashton and Sadie, daughters-in-law Paula and Sharon, brother Gerry, sisters-in-law Kathleen, Anna May and Bridie, brothers-in-law Michael, Tommie and Donie, nephew, nieces and a large circle of friends.

In keeping with Government guidelines, a private family funeral will take place on Thursday at 10 am in the Cathedral of Christ the King. This can be viewed on the live webcam on www.mullingarparish.ie. Those wishing to send messages of condolence to Joe's family can do so in the Condolence Book section below. Family flowers only please; donations if desired to North Westmeath Hospice, Mary Street, Mullingar. House private please.

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