The Late Eugene Spain Shamrocks and Drumcullen GAA Clubs were in mourning when news emerged of the death of Eugene Spain. Mr Spain, who was only predeceased by his wife, Margaret a week earlier, died following a lengthy illness. A native of Rath, he moved to Screggan in the late '60s when he returned home from England. He was a joint president of Shamrocks GAA Club at the time of his death and made a massive contribution both to his adopted and native clubs. As a younger hurler of considerable ability, Eugene was to the fore during a glorious period for Drumcullen in the 1950s, winning Senior Hurling Championship medals in 1954 and 1957. He was a Minor Hurling Championship medal in 1949 at just fifteen years of age. He moved to England in 1958 and returned home to live in Screggan in 1968. His love of hurling still came to the surface in London and he won Intermediate Hurling Championship medals in the english capital with Tara and St Martins. On returning home, he immediately became immersed in St Carthage's GAA Club and played with them to considerable effect. St Carthage's made great moves in the 1970s, reaching the Senior Football Championship final in 1973 where they were beaten by Tullamore. A year later they reached both Senior Football and Hurling Championship semi-finals, unfortunately losing both. Eugene played on the hurling team and was unfortunate to lose to Birr by four points- Corner forward on the St Carthage's team, Eugene came into close contact in the game with his brother, they legendary Mick Spain, who was full back on the Birr team. His great love was hurling and he became a hugely popular figure in his adopted parish. He did a lot of coaching, with underage hurling teams in the parish and enjoyed considerable success. He served as chairman of St Carthage's GAA Club for a spell. He also served as an Offaly senior hurling selector at one stage in the 1970s - his brother Mick was also a long serving Offaly senior hurling selector. When St Cathage's and Mucklagh GAA Clubs amalgamated in the 1990s, Eugene remained a keen supporter and served the new Shamrocks GAA Club well as a president. A forward of considerable ability, Eugene came from a famous hurling family. Out of six men in the family, five played senior hurling for Offaly, including Eugene who played in the '50s before emigrating to London. An indication of the esteem in which he was held was provided by the huge turnout at his funeral and removal. Both Drumcullen and Shamrocks GAA Clubs provided guards of honours, and many old tales of Eugene's exploits were recalled with fondness. He had a great interest in all things Irish and was also deeply involved in set dancing. In his younger days, he proved very efficient at the sheaf throwing competition at the Birr show. He won it on three occasions, adding to a proud family record as his brothers, Billy (RIP) and P.J. also won this competition on different occasions. He was buried in Mucklagh Cemetery along side his recently bereaved wife, Margaret following Requiem Mass in the local St Colman's Church. Sincere sympathy is extended to his family, relatives and a wide circle of friends. Courtesy of the Midland Tribune 6th August 2005 Tweet

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