There has been huge sadness felt within Louth GAA circles this week after the death of All-Ireland winning forward Kevin Beahan.
The Ardee native passed away on Sunday and will be remembered as one of Louth’s greatest footballers, having lined-out at centre-field in the Wee County’s last All-Ireland SFC triumph when they defeated Cork in the final in 1957.
Kevin set-up the famous goal for Sean Cunningham that helped lead Louth to glory at Croke Park, where it finished 1-9 to 1-7 in favour of the Leinster men.
Standing at just 5’7, Kevin was renowned as an excellent placed kicker with legendary commentator Micheal O Muircheartaigh once describing him as the “most perfect kicker of a ball he had ever seen”.
He remains Louth’s all-time top scorer in the championship to this day and, on the inter-provincial stage, he helped Leinster to two Railway Cup triumphs.
Kevin’s club career would see him earning five Louth senior championships in the colours of St Mary’s Ardee and four senior hurling championships with St Colmcilles.
Outside of Louth, he won league and championship medals in Armagh and Dublin to add to his collection and his later years would see him co-manage St Mary’s to the Cardinal O'Donnell Cup in 1991.
After a short illness, Kevin passed away on Sunday surrounded by his loving family at at St. Vincent’s University Hospital and tributes have poured in for the Wee County legend since.
Funeral arrangements for Kevin Beahan:
Reposing at Carnegies Funeral Home, Monkstown (A94 XK28) on Wednesday (July 27th) from 5pm to 7pm. Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Thursday (July 28th) at 2pm in the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, Ardee (A92APV4) followed by burial in Ballapousta Cemetery, Ardee (A92 FH59). For those that cannot attend, the Mass can be viewed online using the following link: https://churchmedia.tv/church-of-the-nativity-of-our-lady Messages to the family can be left in the condolences section below. All enquiries to Carnegies Funeral Directors, Monkstown, Ph: 01 2808882. House private, please.
Louth Gaa are saddened to hear of the passing of 1957 All-Ireland Winner Kevin Beahan earlier today. We extend our deepest sympathies and that of all Louth Gaels to his family, friends and clubs Ardee St Mary's & Sean McDermott's (Dublin)
— Louth GAA (@louthgaa) July 24, 2022
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam pic.twitter.com/2esCLTQa1g
A Legend remembered in Croke Park today
— Bob Doheny (@bob_doheny) July 24, 2022
Rest in Peace Kevin Behan @Ardeestmarysgfc @louthgaa pic.twitter.com/hVQgwYZUZy
We here at Clan na Gael extend our deepest sympathies to the Beahan family & all @Ardeestmarysgfc on the passing of Kevin Beahan. A legend in every sense both on & off the field. pic.twitter.com/shSsM8UqbX
— Clan na Gael Dundalk (@onceaclan) July 24, 2022
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Kevin Beahan, an All-Ireland winner with Louth in 1957. Condolences to his family, friends and the Ardee St Mary’s club. May he rest in peace.
— Caoimhín Reilly (@CaoimhinReilly) July 24, 2022
TweetMattock Rangers would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Family, Friends and @Ardeestmarysgfc on the passing of @louthgaa All-Ireland winner Kevin Behan.
— Mattock Rangers (@mattockrangers) July 26, 2022
Ar Dheis Dé Go Raibh A Anam. pic.twitter.com/KkGPiziVCQ