The late Sylvester McGovern Aughawillan former secretary and county board delegate Sylvester McGovern (Syl) passed away on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007 after a relatively short illness in St James's Hospital, Dublin. A popular and staunch GAA man, Syl was well known throughout the county. Since he returned from England where he had spent most his adult life some 14 years ago Syl had been residing in Ballinamore. He was a great supporter of Aughawillan and even in the time before he permanently returned home he frequently made the journey back, to see his club team in action during the numerous county final appearances in the 1970's and '80's. He was always willing to officiate as an umpire and graduated to become part of Referee Frank Flynn's inter-county official party. This brought him to venues all over the country including a visit to Croke Park, which was the highlight of his umpiring career. At administrative level Syl was efficient and courteous. He was a stickler on procedure and had strong principles. But he was always fair and accepted the democratic decision. He loved his native Aughawillan and every week he made his weekly foray from Ballinamore on his motorbike to his home place and brother's house in Boeshill. He was fond of a pint and was a regular in Prior's and The Viking where he never missed an opportunity to support his second love Manchester United. A large number of GAA connections and club members held a guard of honour to mark his final journey. The Club would like to express their sincere sympathy to his wife Mary his sons Mark and Patrick, his daughter Katherine and his brothers PJ and Noel. Ar Dheis De ar a anam dilis. Courtesy of The Leitrim Observer 20 April 2007 Tweet

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