Charlie Lee, Aughavas
An Appreciation

It is with a sense of a loss that we fondly remember Charlie Lee who recently passed away. People's good deeds are often noticed only when they die. So it is fitting to pay tribute to a man of many talents which he used for the betterment of all those who called on him.

It would be invidious to try to canonise him. We mortals all have our weaknesses in one way or another, nevertheless, can become our strengths.

Charlie was an outstanding club footballer. He played on the 1949, 1952, 1954, 1955 Senior Championship winning teams- the golden era of Aughavas football and was team captain for a number of years. His play was always impeccable even though the games at that time were very physical and tough. As one keen supporter observes: "Charlie would not hurt a child". He also played for Leitrim and was one of their free-takers in the forwards.

Football training for Charlie and his fellow players was tied up with their work which was mostly manual. Mechanised farming was only in its infancy. A hard day's work in the field, fog or meadow was completed with some football training. The sound of the football echoed through the valleys and was the clarion-call for all who were interested in getting on the team. They trained all the year round, even when the snow and frost were on the ground.

There were no facilities like nowadays. The back of a ditch or a hayshed served as dressing rooms. In later years, motor cars, being few in number and considered a luxury were used for togging out. These Spartan conditions brought the best out of the players. Furthermore, nearly all of the players were teetotallers, Money was scare and players adjusted their lifestyles to that fact. Charlie played at centre-field and with Paddy Joe McGovern as his partner proved to be formidable opposition for any team. Indeed, our supporters often showed their appreciation of his play by vocal support. The chant, "Come on Cathal" echoed to the furthest end of the field.

After his playing career, Charlie became involved in running the club. He was chairman for thirteen years. In all that time he attended meetings, helped out at concerts and bazzars. On the days of home games he would, with some help, erect the goal posts, line the field and put down the side line of tree branches. After the game all were removed to make place for the grazing cattle. Charlie was also instrumental in getting the new pitch. He helped to build the dressing rooms and to erect the permanent side line and other varied work.

Charlie was also a member of the Aughavas Pipe Band and the local F.C.A. Furthermore, whether at work or football, no-one ever heard him using vulgar words.

Being a very skilled man he could turn his hand to almost anything. He provided cheap labour and was much in demand. However, a good part of his work was a labour of love. Charlie was laid to rest at the back entrance to the old cemetery in full view of the priest's park, the new park, the church and the busy main road, to all of which he contributed in no small way. May he rest in peace. Molly, his loving wife visited Charlie almost daily during his long illness in hospital. She was always supportive of his endeavours and will miss him very much. But she, certainly has no regrets. Her sister, Rose was always on hand to help out. To Charlie's sisters, Lizzy and Mary and their families, we extend our sincere sympathy.

Courtesy of Leitrim Observer
October 9th, 2009 Tweet

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