The late George Delaney George Delaney may be best known in footballing and hurling circles for his tireless work on behalf of Wicklow GAA, but this passing after a short illness will have been felt by many more people who were fortunate enough to have met him. The Kilcoole native was as popular for his local community work as anything and was well loved locally as a great character. Initially he worked in Ballsbridge Motors at Dublin 4 for a period of time before taking up a post in Volkswagen on the Naas Road as a supervisor in the parts department. He retired around six years ago but still kept himself busy with is work as chief steward in Croke Park. The high esteem with which he was held in could be seen by the huge turnout for his funeral in Kilcoole. Those in attendance included GAA President Nicky Brennan. Liam Mulvihill and past presidents Sean Kelly, Jack Boothman and Liam Mulvihill. Other attendees included numerous County Board officers from both the past and the present, led by Wicklow Chairman Andy O'Brien and Secretary Michael Delaney led the entourage from the Leinster Council. President elect Seamus Howlin and PRO Tom Farrell were also present, and all the major political parties were well represented as well. Fr Eamon Clarke oversaw proceeding in a moving ceremony which paid tribute to George's many attributes and his popular good nature. A keen and very talented footballer, he was actually a member of the Newtown team which won the first ever Dublin/Wicklow Mens Cup in 1952. He was also on the first Wicklow Minor Football team to reach a Leinster final in the same year.Furthermore, he went on to win a senior football medal with is beloved Kilcoole in 1954 and also played senior football for Wicklow. As a player he was a real all rounder, backed up by the amount of success he managed to achieve during his playing career in hurling too. He picked up Leinster junior medals in 1964, 65, 67 and 71. Wicklow's first ever All-Ireland title still lives long in the minds of many local farms and George was a member of that side, following that triumph with another title in 1971. He was also a highly respected referee and took charge of two senior football finals. As the chief steward in Croke Park George would have been familiar with thousands of fans, players and members from clubs of all over Ireland, with many making their way to Wicklow for his funeral. Anyone familiar with Kilcoole would have been used to the sight of George out in his beautifully kept garden at his home on the Sea Road. Sadly his wife Helen passed away over 20 years ago and he also had to deal with the tragic death of his son Ronald in a motorcycle accident. He is survived by his five daughters and son, his grandchildren, family members and his many, many friends who will sadly miss him but always remember him fondly. Courtesy of the Wicklow People 26 April 2007 Tweet

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