The Death of Desmond Slater

Dean Colum Curry has described a community reeling in shock at the sudden death f very well known and highly respected Dungannon personality and former top Gaelic Football referee, Desmond Slater.
Dessie was described as a man steeped in football and parish life, he passed away at the age 64.
One of the largest congregations to pack St Patrick's Church in many years attended his funeral.
The cortege was flanked by members of Thomas Clarke GFC, and one hundred students and staff member of St Joseph's Grammar School Donaghmore attended the service.
Dean Colum Curry described his sense of disbelief at hearing of Dessie's death.
"Our feelings of confusion and bewilderment give us some inkling of the terrible pain that has engulfed the heart of his beloved wife, Kathleen and his sister and brothers".
The dean said the large crowd at his funeral represented 'the rich tapestry of his life's interests and the network of contacts established near at home and far away'.
"Foremost among his many interests was his life long association with the GAA", said the dean.
"Football was in his blood and he was passionate about everything the Association stands for. It was noted that every conversation about gaelic football, whether about underage training or county level exploits, always included a mention of his own beloved Clarkes, his pride and joy.
"He loved the Clarkes with all his heart and his generous involvement with the Dungannon Club down through the years will always stand as testimony of his loyalty and commitment. He was undoubtedly one of their greatest stalwarts and somebody who will be sorely missed.
"He will be equally missed by the priests and people of Dungannon for Dessie Slater was the backbone of the parish. No matter what was needed, no matter what had to be done, Dessie was the first point of contact. He was the man who could gather in the helpers, organise the stewards, arrange the rotas and attend to every detail. Dessie was meticulous about detail and a perfectionist in all things.
"Dessie was a man of integrity, utterly reliable, totally honest and always dependable. He loved St Patrick's Church, it was in many respects his second home, and his sense of reverence and deep pride for the place was at no time more evident than in the days and weeks surrounding the dedication ceremony back in September. With total generosity, he put his heart and soul into everything he did".
John Gill Chairman of Dungannon Clarke's GFC said: "The news of Dessie's death cast a shadow over Dungannon and particularly over those of us who knew and worked with him in Gaelic circles.
"Dungannon Clarkes has lost a true friend who dedicated his life to all aspects of Gaelic culture and whose pride in our club and O'Neill Park knew no bounds. He was an accomplished footballer who played at Minor and Senior level for Tyrone and when his playing career with club and county finished he served at Chair, vice chair, secretary and more recently Vice President and Registrar.
"Never a man to seek the limelight, Dessie worked tirelessly over the years for our club and contributed in no small way to the excellent facilities available at O'Neill Park.
"In his role as a referee, Dessie exemplified all that is good, just and fair on the field of play. He didn't just referee, he explained why he made a decision but brooked no nonsense when the occasion rose.
"His proudest moment was when he refereed three consecutive county finals in the late eighties. he was well known and highly regarded at inter county level and was a regular guest referee at the Castlewellan seven-a-side competitions.
"In addition of being a highly respected and loyal Clarke's man Dessie was a dedicated community and parish man who gave it all when required.
"We are all the poorer of his passing and our sincere sympathises go to his wife Kathleen and the extended Slater family".
Dessie, as he was fondly known, was the son of the late William and Nellie Slater, Henry Street, Dungannon. One of a family of seven, he was predeceased by his brothers Eric, Sean and a sister Mrs Betty Mallon and is survived by Mrs Nancy Kerr, Jim and Patsy.
He was educated at the Presentation Brothers Primary School, Dungannon. On Leaving school he secured employment as an apprentice mechanic at Moygashel Mills, where he worked for many years.
For the past 16 years Dessie was employed at St Joseph's Grammar School, Donaghmore, as a technician.
He was known throughout Tyrone as a true Gael. As a school boy he played gaelic football for the school, then with Dungannon Thomas Clarke GFC, where he played at all levels.
When he finally hung up his boots, he became one of the most respected referees in Ulster.
He was current Vice Chairman, former club chairman, secretary, club referee and current club registrar of the club.
A lifelong member Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, he was the current President of the Dungannon Council, and current President of the Armagh Diocesan P.T.A.A.
He was deeply involved in the restoration committee of St Patrick's Church Dungannon.
He is survived by his wife Kathleen, Jim and Patsy, brothers, Mrs Nancy Kerr(sister), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins and wider family circle.

Courtesy of The Tyrone Times
9th February 2010 Tweet

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