Frank was an excellent footballer

Frank Gaffney was an outstanding footballer in the 1950s with his native Tubbercurry and also with Sligo and Connacht. He will be remembered particularly for his high fielding and his cool temperament. He passed away in Galway on November 25th. Frank played with the Sligo Senior team from 1951 to 1957.

This was an era when Connacht football was of a particularly high standard with both Mayo and Galway winning All-Ireland titles. Frank played for Sligo during those years
and gave outstanding displays usually partnered at centre-field by Nace O'Dowd or Ned Durkin and also on occasion by Frank White or Seamus Keevans.

He gave an outstanding display in Charlestown in 1952 when Mayo, the All-Ireland champions from the previous year, narrowly defeated a fine Sligo team by 0-9 to 0-6.
Mayo, indeed, went on to retain the Sam Maguire Cup that year. Again in 1953 Mayo started the defence of their All-Ireland title with a great battle with Sligo at Corran Park, Ballymote.

Frank Gaffney was once more to the fore at centre-field but Mayo again won narrowly by 2-6 to 1-6. In 1954 and 1956 Sligo reached the Connacht Final and on each occasion were defeated by the great Sean Purcell led Galway team. The 1954 defeat at Tuam Stadium was particularly heartbreaking with a late Sligo goal, which would have tied the score, being controversially disallowed. In both those campaigns Frank Gaffney was an ever present at centre-field for Sligo.

Frank represented Connacht in the interprovincial Railway Cup series in 1954, 1955 and 1956. He gave a memorable display in 1954 when Connacht lost to Munster by one point. On that occasion he was partnered at centre-field by Nace O'Dowd. He enjoyed great success with his club Tubbercurry which during his playing career won County Senior Championships in 1950, 1951 and 1955. Senior League titles were won in 1950,1954 and 1955. He also served as Club Secretary/Treasurer in 1955.

Deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Maura, daughter Eileen, sons Michael, Colm and Enda, sister Patricia Meehan and his extended family.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

Courtesy of The Sligo Champion. Tweet

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