It is with deep regret that we have learned of the passing of Carnaross club stalwart and president Aidan Gillic.

Aidan gave a lifelong service to football not only in our parish, but at county and national level also. He played his football with Dulane, one of two clubs in Carnaross parish at the time, and also lined out with Kells but serious injuries cut short his playing career. 

He went on to take up the whistle, and quickly gained quite a reputation as a very good referee and he was the man in  charge of the 1972 Meath senior final between Seneschalstown and O'Mahonys.

He refereed many inter county matches including the first round of the Leinster Championship between Dublin and Wexford in 1974 at Croke Park.  This was the first championship game played with the enlarged penalty area, and Aidan had the distinction of awarding the first penalty under the new rule in an intercounty match. That penalty was duly dispatched to the Wexford net by Bobby Doyle. Dublin went on to win the All Ireland later in the year.

The Dulane man had a very impressive record of refereeing a county final at all levels from under-12 upwards with the exception of the Intermediate final.

Aidan gave a lot to the GAA as a player and referee but his contribution did not finish there. After a spell as chairman of neighbours Gaeil Colmcille he went on to serve our club as an administrator for many years. He was chairman of Carnaross from 1984 to 1994.

It was no coincidence that during this period the club made marvellous progress, both on and off the pitch, with Aidan the driving force. He played a major role in the development of underage football in the parish.

A new pitch and clubhouse was constructed in the late eighties and success quickly followed on the field of play with Junior and Intermediate titles captured in 1991 and 1993. Aidan's sons PJ and Alan were vital parts of the that fine side. Both PJ and Alan represented club and county with distinction, a feat which brought immense pride to Aidan.

In recent years Aidan continued to follow and support the club and was an ever present at games, with a particular interest in the fortunes of our underage teams where his grand-children are carrying on the family tradition.

Carnaross GFC owes a lot to Aidan Gillic. His tireless dedication will act as an inspiration to future generations as we endeavour to follow in his footsteps and serve our proud little club and community as best we can.

As a club, we extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Mary, sons PJ and Alan, his daughter Sandra and the extended Gillic family at this sad time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Aidan was the beloved husband and lifelong friend of Mary and much loved father of PJ, Sandra and Alan, daughters-in-law Joanne and Angie, son-in-law Dominic. Predeceased by his parents Leo and Anna, sister Mary, brothers Eugene and John Joe.

Aidan is survived by his loving wife, family and his much-loved grandchildren Carl, Lauren, Stephen and Luke, Eadaoin, Cormaic and Oísin, Mollie, Trudie and Rebecca, his brothers Ben (Australia), Leo, Martin, Paul and Eamonn, sisters Angela O'Halloran and Bernadette O'Reilly, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins and wide circle of friends.

Funeral Arrangements: Reposing at his home Wednesday 24th May from 2 o'clock to 9 o'clock. Removal Thursday morning to Sacred Heart Church, Mullaghea, for 12 o'clock Mass. Burial afterwards in Dulane Cemetery.

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