Remembering a great sportsman and character Those who remember the 1950's and especially those who followed the Mayo team in those years will have fond memories of one, Eddie Moriarity, recognisably by his 'crew-cut' but more importantly as a skilful and tenacious defender for Mayo. A native of Boyle, Co. Roscommon, Eddie joined the Gardai in the early 1950's, was posted to Mayo and here remained for most of his career in the force. He wasn't around for the '50 and '51 teams but not long afterwards was selected on the team and played alongside such greats as Padraig Carney, Paddy Prendergast, Sean Flanagan, Tom Langan, Willie Casey and many more. He was regarded as a valuable addition to the team and gave great service to Mayo throughout the 1950s. He was on the team that won the National League in 1954, playing at left half back. The semi-final against Dublin was one of the great games of the campaign and was seen as a showdown between two of the teams of the time. The final against Carlow was a very one-sided affair. As a reward for winning the league, Mayo were flown to America. It is hard to realise now what that meant in the mid-fifties when travel, even to games here at home, was limited. It would have been regarded then as the trip of a lifetime. The Cork hurlers, who also won the league, joined Mayo on the trip. As it happens, Eddie sat beside the legendary Christy Ring on the flight. They were opposites in character but shared a common love of sport and Eddie enjoyed drawing Christy out on his illustrious hurling career. As well as playing for the country, Eddie gave wonderful service to quite a few clubs throughout the county as he was based in a number of stations including Kilmovee, Kilmaine, Belmullet, Ballycroy, Killala, Ballina, Bonniconlon and Swinford. His last club was Swinford and thanks mainly to the skill and shrewdness of the 'old man' they won the East Mayo Junior championship in 1966. In later years Eddie used to say that winning that medal gave him greatest pleasure as it was won when long past his prime. It would be no exaggeration to describe Eddie as an out and out sportsman and so whether it was football, handball, catching salmon, wildlife, horse-racing, Eddie was there, and loved them all. In many communities in which he served, Eddie was a lively presence, full of life and fun, and rarely was there a situation which to Eddie did not have a humourous side, but he was also generous, kind, caring and a true friend. Sadly the last few years of his life were not easy as he was frequently in and out of hospital and finally succumbed to his illness on August 9 last. His funeral mass was celebrated by Fr. Gerry Hanley, Parish Priest of Boyle and so, on August 11, Eddie was laid to rest where it all began, in his native Boyle. To his brother Dermot, sister Joan and many family, friends, we extend our sympathy. Those who played football with Eddie and so many others throughout Mayo will mourn his passing as they recall a great sportsman and character. They will have lots of memories to share and now a few stories to tell. Eddie was Roscommon's gift to Mayo. He deserves to be remembered. May his generous and joyful spirit rest in peace. Courtesy of The Western People September 4, 2007 Eddie Moriarty RIP I was saddened to learn of the death of Eddie Moriarty which took place in Roscommon County Hospital on Thursday last. A native of Boyle, Eddie was one of the finest footballers ever to come out of Roscommon. Ironically, he never wore the Roscommon jersey in any grade. His career as a garda took him to Mayo and it was with the green and red that he played all his football. I can still remember him in St. Coman's Park in the 1950s, lithe and athletic looking with his trademark crew cut he cut a fine dash at left half back for Mayo. He won a National League medal with Mayo in 1954 and he was left half-back on the Connacht team that won the Railway Cup in 1957. He was one of the finest defenders ever to wear the Mayo jersey. His contribution to Mayo football was recognised when he was chosen on the Mayo Team of the Millennium in 2000. May he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Roscommon Herald - 14th August 2007 Tweet

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