"Face the ball Aghamore" was the call of the ardent and loyal supporters of the parish football team as they exhorted the players to watch the flight of the ball from the kick out. The venue was Neary's field in Bruff and it was where I first saw John McIntyre. A tough as teak defender, he cleared his lines with gusto. Tough yes, but always extremely fair in his play. I was a member of that team also and played alongside 'Mac' as he was affectionately known, for many years. In that time I got to know him very well and found him to be a man of honour and a good friend. Little did I know then that he would eventually become my brother-in-law. When his playing days were over, his passion for the game did not subside. He turned his energies towards the management of his beloved Aghamore club. He served as Chairman, Secretary and in other capacities for a long number of years and at all times he fostered a great love for the well-being of the club. Some years ago he produced a most interesting article in the Glor Achadh Mor magazine, describing in detail his involvement both as a player, official and supporter of his parish club. He was also extremely proud of the magnificent football pitch which has been developed in Aghamore. His other great love was for farming. He had a great fondness for the land and was never more at ease as when he was amongst his cattle and sheep. He had a great eye for detail and exactness. You had only to cast a glance at his work; no crooked drills or ridges for him; no bitty fencing or badly hung gates and so on. When he was a student in Ballyhaunis, he took part in a competition for the best vegetable plot. For two years in a row, he was awarded the top prize and was very highly commended for his splendid work by horticultural instructor Pat hughes. He was also a member of the construction company which built the Basilica in Knock, working there until its completion in 1976. He would often speak proudly about the huge structure and informed us that it was the largest church in Ireland. During the dancing boom in the '60s, when Tooreen Hall was packing in the crowds, John reported every sunday night without fail to give a helping hand to Mary and me in the shop, during and after the dances. He loved meeting people and as we say having the 'craic'. Whether it was over a quiet pint or maybe outside Aghamore Church after Mass, be it on the streets of Kilkelly or in a cattle-mart, he proved himself to be very popular. Thank you for the help and the advice which you were always willing to give to Mary and me over the years. John's last few weeks in this life were spent in hospital; and in all that time, he was never heard to complain or grumble. Instead he always greeted his visitors with a smile and a friendly handshake. A man of peace indeed! And so John, farewell for the time being anyway. I hope you meet all the people you loved on this earth and maybe your old team mates as well. Eventually when we all get there, perhaps we will play a few games on Heavenly Fields where no referee will be needed. Huge crowds attended the removal of the remains from the Marian Funeral Home, Knock, and again at the Requiem Mass in St Joseph's Church Aghamore. The Mass was con-celebrated by Fr John Walshe PP and Fr Gabriel Murphy. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Mena, daughter Patricia, sons, Chris, Sean, Paul, Aidan, and Enda, sister Mary, daugher-in-law Celia, son-in-law Colm, grandchildren, nephews, neighbours and friends. Courtesy of The Western People. June 2007 Tweet

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