Sad death of Owen, an outstanding footballer and a loyal friend

The unexpected death of Owen Henry has left a void in the lives of all who knew him.
The presence at his funeral of such a wide and varied cross section of society from Co. Sligo and beyond was a tribute to a person who was a dedicated family man, a successful business man, an outstanding footballer and a loyal friend.
Owen's qualities as a person were incalculable. First and foremost, he was exemplary family man. He inherited from his own parents the highest standards and values and together with his wife Claire, they instilled in their own family these excellent qualities of honesty, integrity and decency.
His contribution to the local community was immense. In small rural communities, voluntary leaders are often difficult to find. Consequently, the workload is always greater. Owen was an active member of most organisations in the parish, was generous with his time, and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
On the work from he had a long and successful career. On completion of secondary education at St. Nathy's, he joined GWI wood industries, where he gained a comprehensive knowledge of the joining business.
When the company ceased trading, he established palace joinery in Tubbercurry with a work colleague. This company supplied quality stairs to clients all over Ireland. Like every other aspect of Owen's life, this venture was an unqualified success.
Without doubt it was as a sportsman most people will fondly remember Owen.
His family have a long association with the GAA. His Uncle, brothers and sons all wore the green jersey of Curry with distinction. However, most dangerous would agree that Owen was the class footballer of the clan, an extremely skilful player, a prolific scorer with both feet, who had a trademark 'dummy' that invariably fooled the most experienced defenders.
Having starred with St Nathy's College, he played in his first county final with Curry at the age of 16 in 1959. He continued to play for the next two decades, winning two senior championships and two senior championships and two senior league titles, together with many underage awards.
The understood highlight of his career was when he captained Curry in 1964 to their first senior championship title in 40 years.
In a beautiful and poignant moment, the football from that match was one of the items presented with the offertory gifts at his funeral Mass.
Owen represented the county on a number of occasions. When he retired from playing, he devoted time to coaching and administration. His great loyalty to the GAA in Curry and Sligo through good times and bad was exceptional. The Curry and Sligo flags were always to been sent flying at his home on match days as a symbol of that loyalty.
Whenever old footballers returned to curry, they could always be assured of a warm welcome and a friendly chat with Owen.
The village will be a much poorer place without his presence.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Claire and to his family.
'Sea, at fior Gael imithe uainn…. Is ar eigin a fheicimid a leitheid aris sa taobh seo tire. Beannacht De lena anam uasal.'

Courtesy of the Sligo Champion 3/11/10 Tweet

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