The death took place yesterday of Liam Gilmartin, who was the last surviving member of the Roscommon team that won back-to-back All-Ireland SFC titles in 1943 and '44.

In his 98th year, Liam captained the Rossies to their first-ever All-Ireland MFC success in 1939 before going on to line out at midfield in the All-Ireland SFC final wins over Cavan (after a replay) and Kerry of '43 and '44. His football career ended in 1945 after he contracted TB. 

The outstanding Roscommon team of the early 40's. Front l-r: John Fahy (Secretary), Brendan Lynch, Jimmy Murray, Bill Carlos, Jack McQuillan, John O'Callaghan, John Joe Nerney, Ownsie Hoare, Derry McDermott. Back l-r: Billy Keogh (Trainer), Phelim Murray, Eamon Boland, Jack Casserly, Bill Jackson, Hugh Gibbons, Dan O'Rourke (Chairman), Frank Kinlough, Donal Keenan, Liam Gilmartin.

A native of Ballymurray, Liam had resided in Raheny for many years. A member of the first Roscommon CBS football team, he will go down as one of the Rossies' greatest ever players.

May he rest in peace.

 

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