The Late Leo Kearns On Thursday 25th November 2004, an era came to an end with the death of Leo Kearns, Secretary of the Shamrock Gaels G.A.A. club since its formation in 1972. Leo's thirty-two years of service to Shamrock Gaels followed on from his twelve years as secretary to the Sooey club. His commitment to the G.A.A. over more than 44 years almost equalled his teaching career which spanned 45 years from 1955 to 2000. Leo was also involved in many other developments within the parish, a point made by Fr. O'Shea at his Funeral Mass. Leo had a deep interest in all aspects of the club's activities. He wrote numerous Novelty Act scripts for Scor, attended virtually all Club games whether at adult or under-age level, worked extremely hard at fundraising especially during the car draws in 1992 and 1996. At club meetings Leo's words, although quietly spoken, were very often the "last word" and the most perceptive. His love of Gaelic football was deep and his influence is evident in his family's commitment to Shamrock Gaels. His wife Phyl, his sons Francis, Robert, Leo, Andrew, Philip, Niall, Cormac and James; his daughters Mary, Sarah and Martha have all been involved with the club over its lifetime and have played a huge part in bringing the club to its present status. Leo's grandsons Mark and Daire have already commenced training and will undoubtedly along with his other grandchildren continue the proud family connection with the club. One of Leo's proudest moments was the winning of the Senior Championship in 1990 for the first time in the club's history. His sons Philip, Cormac and James were all members of that team. Another proud moment was the official opening of our grounds in May 1998. We will miss Leo for his words of encouragement and his calming influence on the sideline, his quiet spoken advice in the Club rooms where his common sense approach ensured that the Club always remained true to the G.A.A. ideals. While Shamrock Gaels may have been Leo's second family he was our father figure in many ways and we will continue to miss him for many a long day. We hope that players who don the maroon and white of Shamrock Gaels will never forget him and others who have gone before him, who have given them the facilities they now enjoy. In Fr O'Shea's words, "the greatest tribute we can pay to Leo is to strive to be the best Club we can be". We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Phyl; his sons Francis, Robert, Leo, Andrew, Philip, Niall, Cormac and James, his daughters Mary, Sarah and Martha; his brother Francis; his sister Mary; his grandchildren and all his extended family. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilís. Courtesy of the Sligo Champion, December 2004. Tweet

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