Cronin, Jack
December 30, 2005
Johnny Cronin
Ballyfore GAA Club lost two of its longest serving members, with the sad passing of Maureen Kane and Johnny Cronin.
No amount of words can describe what they brought to Ballyfore, they gave up their time and energy to bring our club to where it stands today and that we are forever grateful.
To say that they were known far and wide would be an understatement and the immense respect that they were held in the community and was evident.
Johnny first came to Ballyfore in 1943 from Castlemaine in Co Kerry, and it wasn't long until he settled into the area, by setting up his family farm, where he became a vital member of the community and was always on hand to help the people of the area. For help it was always told go to Johnny Cronin first?
In his life Johnny had three great loves, farming, family and Ballyfore and he soon became a vital ember of the Ballyfore set up, by lining out in the Green and White, in a playing career that spanned 12 years, where he also represented the club at county level and playing for Offaly Juniors in the mid forties.
Soon after his playing days Johnny became involved in the administration side of the club were he held every position possible and was elected Life President in 1988. But Johnny's one ambition for the club, was that one day we would own our own pitch and in April 1973 his ambition and the dream of our club became a reality when he donated a site at Ballyfore Cross, which in turn aided our club to buy the wonderful pitch and grounds we have today.
Throughout his life Johnny was a very proud Ballyfore man and no more than in 1990 after so many years of trying the cup finally won the Junior Football Championship, which was followed by an even prouder moment for him, when we lifted the Intermediate Football Crown in 1992.
Ballyfore GAA Club extends Deepest Sympathy to the Cronin Family. We thank Johnny for so many happy memories and you will be forever in our thoughts and prayers.
May you rest in peace Johnny.
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