The late John Kilgannon, Garryduff, Templeboy, was a former senior and minor inter-county footballer, who had the distinction of working in an All-Ireland minor final against Cork at Croke Park in 1968. he may have been away from the area for almost forty years, but he never lost his passion or interest in Sligo GAA affairs and could name practically player that wore the'black-and-white.' He returned to build a new house in his beloved Garryduff a few years ago and in 2007, he became the manager of the St Farnan's ladies side, leading the team to the Junior Field Final in what was their first year playing adult football. John was a great friend of another St Farnan's clubman, Tommy Scott, who also passed away recently. He was the first teacher to bring a football into Gleneaskey National School and promoted the GAA at every opportunity. Although a native of Garryduff, he and his older brother Padraic, played his club football with neighbour's St Pats. He won a county senior championship medal with Pat's in 1968, playing alongside Mickey Kearins in midfield as they beat Easkey in the final, and joined three other players from the club, Jimmy Kilgallen, Peadar Kearins and Richie Boland on the Sligo minor panel the same year. The minor team wrote one of the brightest chapters in an annals of the county's GAA history by first beating a fancied Mayo side at Markievicz Park and then defeating Galway in the Connaught final played in Castlebar. They beat Armagh in the All-Ireland semi-final and John came on as a substitute to replace Peadar Kearins as Sligo lost out to Cork in the decider. As a young boy, John attended Kilrusheighter National School and quickly became a player of note with the school team. He received his secondary education at St Mureadach's College where he again became one of the most accomplished footballer's of his generation. After his schooling, he spent some time working as a substitute teacher in local national schools. Shortly after the tragic death of his father in 1969, John, who also spent a short period in England, moved with other members of the family to Dublin. He later joined the army, spending much of his time in the Ordnance Survey Office in the Phoenix Park. nevertheless, he continued to visit Templeboy on a regular basis, and on building their new house, he and his wife Cathy spent a lot of time in the area and planned to live there permanently later this year. Unfortunately, he developed a serious illness just weeks into the current ladies season, as he was preparing enthusiastically to make further progress with St Farnan's and build on the foundations already put in place. John passed away peacefully at Our Lady's Hospice, Harold's Cross, Dublin. His remains were brought back to Garryduff and many of his former playing colleagues were among the large crowds of people who called to pay respects. Requiem Mass took place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Templeboy, on Monday, July 14th and interment took place in St Joseph's cemetery. Templeboy afterwards. Sligo Champion, 23/07/08 Tweet

Most Read Stories