The Late Phelim O'Doherty

The death of Phelim O'Doherty in the early hours of Sunday 22nd August brought a cloud of sadness over the village of Lorrha and surrounding areas. It also brought a sense of great loss to his family and friends.

Phelim was interested in sport from an early age, he played hurling for Lorrha and won two County Medals in 1956-57, and later coached the Lorrha Senior team in the 1980s, it is a pity then that he missed the Hurling All-Ireland last Sunday, he would have seen one of the best All-Ireland finals in recent times and most importantly see Tipperary win.

Phelim went to school in Newbridge, Co. Kildare where he was introduced to Rugby for the first time; he played in the front row and also captained the team. Following on from Newbridge he went to UCD and obtained a degree in Ag Science.

When he qualified he lived in Dundalk where he continued to play Rugby there from 1969 to '75 - over the next couple of years he Captained teams in Leinster, Munster and Connacht. One of his major achievements was to Captain Bective Rangers in 1966 when they toured Canada; they were the first touring team to leave Ireland.

Phelim returned home to Lorrha when his Mother passed away and set up a poultry farm- he continued to keep up his interest in Rugby; he played and coached for Birr Rugby Club and also coached Nenagh Ormond Rugby team.

When his Rugby days were over he joined Portumna Golf Club and became a very active member and played a major role in its development, he served as Captain in 1999 and as President in 2005. It is mainly due to the efforts of the members like Phelim that has made Portumna Golf Club what it is today.

At a local level, Phelim was a founder member of the Lorrha/Dorrha Development Co. and the Gun Club, was a member of the Parish Council and most importantly of all he was a fantastic neighbour. Phelim certainly packed a lot into his life.

There were several guards of honour at his removal from the Chapel of rest as Portumna Retirement Village and also at the Parish Church. He was laid to rest in St. Rudhan's cemetery adjacent to the Church. His wife Pearl, son Shane, daughters Marion and Ree, daughters in law Arlene, his grandchildren Jake and Emma, to whom we extend our deepest sympathy, survive him. May he rest in peace.

Courtesy of the
9th September 2010 Tweet

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