The Late Willie John Stapleton The late Willie John Stapleton passed away in Manchester recently and his passing had saddened many here in his native county and especially around his beloved Killashee. Willie John started to play for Killashee's St Brigid's as a juvenile back round 1956 and he was a core member of the team for many years after, including 1964 and '65 when they won back to back junior championship titles. He dedicated his life to the GAA and was a great supporter and lover of the national game. He also featured on two teams that were defeated in junior finals whilst he was also a proud member of the Killashee team that won the Ardagh tournament in 1959. He was a stanch follower of Longford GAA and took particular pride in the success of the late 1960s, the National League win in '66 and the Leinster title in 1968. He followed those Longford teams at every opportunity and after his beloved Longford, his favoured team was the all conquering Down side of 1960. Where ever he went, Willie John turned to the GAA and when he was living in London he played for one of the great GAA sides there, St. Vincents. Although in failing health Willie returned to his native Killashee last August and one of the highlights of his visit was when he attended a league game featuring the local club and Dromard. It was a chance for him to renew old friendships and moment when the club honoured their special visitor, by presenting him with his old jersey. He took the jersey back across the Irish sea to Manchester with him and it was a treasured possession and he was very grateful to the club for the honour bestowed on him. Sadly that was to be Willie John's last visit home to Killashee and he bore his illness with a bravery and acceptance that hallmarked his life. He was a man who never complained and a man who enjoyed life to the full. May he rest in peace - Special thanks to Eddie James Casey Courtesy of the Longford Leader 6th January 2005 Tweet

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