The news of the untimely death of Dermot Doran was received with much sadness and regret in the Granard area and most especially, by his friends in St Mary's GFC. The affable Leitrim Gardai came to Granard in 1974 and immediately endeared himself to all with his infectious humour, charm and cordial manner. Following the sad news, our minds wandered back to when Dermot first came amongst us and to the time he spent in our community of which he was very much an integral part. He was a member of St Mary's GFC and served for a period as a team selector. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Dermot have their own special memories of the man. One such memory was when our juniors were a player short for a certain fixture and a call rang out, "what size boots do you take Dermot?" The call was answered, the right size boots secured and a team was fielded. Dermot had now become one of our own. That little episode said much of the man and of his commitment to whatever he was involved in. When he won the Senior Championship in 1982, Dermot was the proudest man in Granard, and of course, there were the celebrations to which he partook and enjoyed to the full. Though he had a great interest in proceedings on the football field, it was as a singer and entertainer where Dermot's real talents lay. He represented our club in Scor on many occasions displaying those God given talents generously with heart and soul. PRomotion followed in his career, but he still remained the same Dermot. He was honoured with a Fold Scott Medal, the highest award for bravery and valour in the Garda Siochana.To men of Dermot's ilk, who were totally committed to the institutions of state, our county is much indebted. They took us through the dark and troubled days of the 70's and 80's, risking life and limb shamelessly. In truth, they are the real patriots of the period. Dermot was a real human who celebrated the gift of life to the full and was at his best in the company of others, The craic, song and banter he loved. To give a recitation, there were none better. One was always filled with admiration for the great pride he possessed for his native county. Not a haughty kind of pride, but one that was genuine, derived from love of his native soil and a happy and fulfiled upbringing. So it was that after 27 year in Granard, Dermot moved back to his beloved Shannon side. We heard he was doing well, had retired, and was now a member of his local GAA Club, St Mary's once again. Come months ago, the story was not so heartening. Dermot was ill. The bravery displayed by Dermot in his career was once again called on and evident in the final weeks of his life. We hoped and we prayed. But we learned our friend , the affable Leitrim Garda, whom we had taken as one of our own, was no more. Ar dheis laimhe De go raibh a anam dilis. Ní fheicimís a leitheid arís. St. Mary's GAA Granard, courtesy of the Longford Leader. 12 October, 2007 Tweet

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