The late John Devlin The death in hospital in Belfast of Mr John Devlin on March 21, 2006, removed a popular and well-known figure from the Loughshore community. Aged 84 and a native of Moortown, Mr Devlin will be remembered in GAA circles as a former member of the Tyrone senior team between 1942 and1947. He played on the county side which won the Dr Lagan Cup in 1942 - the first major competition won by the Tyrone seniors. John, as he was known to friends and acquaintance alike, was an active member of St Malachy's GFC, Moortown, with which he had a life-long association. He began his playing career with the club in 1940 and in the ensuring thirteen years until his retirement in 1953, played in seven O'Neills Cup finals and won three Senior Championship medals. He was secretary of St Malachy's from 1941 until 1951, joint manager from 1974 until 1976, Assistant Secretary of East Tyrone District Board in 1950 and Treasurer from 1953-54. From 1965 until 1968, he was Secretary of Coiste Iomana Tir Eoghain. As a young man, John was a fish merchant exporting Lough Neagh trout, salmon and bream. He also transported eels from his native area to Toome Eel Fishery, engaging in this occupation until 1974. His three daughters were also involved with him in the fish business. At a time when more and more vehicular traffic was appearing on the roads in the North of Ireland, and driving qualifications were necessary, John at the age of 53, switched careers and founded Clento School of Motoring in which his wife Eileen and their daughters were actively involved. At one stage the three girls - Eithne, Anne and Ita - were the youngest family of driving instructors in the North. John had been a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorist since the 1970s and held membership of the Mid-Ulster Driving Instructors' Association. He also held a small aircraft license obtained in 1971. He retired as a driving instructor aged 78. Active in parish affairs, John was a Eucharistic Minister in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Moortown. He was a member of the Board of Governors of St Peter's Primary School in Moortown, and a trustee of Ardboe Development Association. He had been a member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association for over 50 years. John will be remembered for his ready smile, optimistic outlook and great sense of humour. Well organised, he was the true professional in both his working and playing career. Kind and helpful, he was ever willing to come to the aid of relatives and neighbours requiring assistance. Described by a close friend as "one of life's true gentlemen", John was a great family man devoted to his wife, daughters and grandchildren around whom his life revolved. The largely attended funeral took place on Thursday, March 23, 2006 at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Moortown. Requiem Mass was celebrated by Rev. Seamus McGinley, PP. The Liturgy was read by Teresa Browne and Mary Walsh (nieces). Bidding prayers were recited by his grandchildren Orla, Emer, Aileen and Duibhinn Murphy, Finbar and Jeannine Bradley. The choir was led by Roseanne Doherty and organist Emmet O'Hagan. A Guard of Honour was formed at the Church by the pupils form St. Peter's PS., Moortown. Interment followed in the adjoining cemetery. Deceased is survived by his wife Eileen, daughters Euthne, Anne and Ita, brother Christy and sisters Mary Thornton (Co. Kerry), Jeannie Gallagher (Omagh), Brigid Lavery (Moortown) and Nellie Cunnane (Belfast). Courtesy of The Mid Ulster Observer 06 April 2006 Tweet

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