The GAA family in Cavan lost a major figure last July with the death of Packie at the age of 94.

Packie was an ardent fan of Gaelic football even during his years in England during the fifties and it was no co-incidence that his visits home often coincided with the appearance of Cavan in Ulster finals.

However, it was as a player that Packie established himself in football circles in his native county.

Packie was an outstanding footballer for club and county.

He played at centre field for Cavan Harps and he excelled at scoring points and goals with his trusty left foot.

He captain the Harps to senior league titles in 1946, 48 and 49. The Harps also reached the county final of 47 but it was never played due to a fixtures congestion surrounding Cavan's involvement in the Polo Grounds final with Kerry that year.

Packie also doubled up as club treasurer with the Harps during his playing days.

Packie likewise played for the Cavan senior team at a time when it was a star-studded outfit.

While ensconced in England, he won the Warwickshire senior county championship with the Robert Emmets' in 1950, 52, 59 and '62 and was a driving force behind the club off the field as well.

He also played for the Warwickshire county team and lined out against Cork in an all-Ireland JFC semi-final in the early fifties.

Packie was predeceased by his wife Irene, four brothers, two sisters and a nephew.

He is survived by his nephew, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, brothers in law, relatives and a large circle of friends.