The Late Sean Roche Wexford hurling star Paul Roche was on route to Miami with the county players when he had to return home on hearing news of the sudden passing of his father. The community of Oulart was shocked and saddened this week to hear of the passing of 47-year-old Sean Roche on Friday who was the father of the 25-year-old Paul and 23-year-old John, both county players, who returned home from travels this week when news of their father's passing reached them. Paul, who is a member of the senior Wexford hurling squad, had stopped in Atlanta on route to Miami with the team when he received word. Last week he was named as the Purple and Gold most influential club player of the year and earlier received the Purple and Gold All Star award. He returned home with two friends from the Oulart/The Ballagh team. John left on his travels to Australia a few days earlier and received news when he was in Thailand before making the sad journey home. Sean was married to Martina (nee Mclaughlin)who was from a family also steeped in the GAA. A great fighter, in the the last eight years had overcome a life threatening illness and recovered from a serious traffic accident. He had a tremendous interest in the GAA and was very proud of his two sons, both of whom represented the county and won many medals over the years with Oulart/ The Ballagh. In latter years he took charge of the hurleys for the senior club players, mending and caring for them and ensuring they all arrived on time for matches. The community was shocked this week as news filtered though on Friday of his untimely passing. Sean always lived life to the full. Despite facing a life threatening illness eight years ago he never let it get him down and with a great fighting quality he overcame the disease. He applied the same determination to his recovery following a serious traffic accident five years ago. He was the eldest of a large family belonging to the late Beta and Pat Roche who operated a shop and petrol pumps in Oulart. He is remembered fondly for his outgoing and friendly nature and his great sense of humour, mischievous and fun. Not only his family but the GAA will be the poorer for his passing. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him but in particular by his loving wife Martina, sons Paul and John, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends. Courtesy of the Wexford People 12 December 2007 Tweet

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