We are sad to report the passing of avid Meath and Kilmainham supporter Denis Newman.

In 1976 Kilmainham won their first ever football competition, a Division 4 League title with 0-9 to 0-3 final victory over Trim in Athboy. Centre forward Donal Morgan had the honour of being the captain and one of the club's real stalwarts down the years, Denis Newman, was top scorer with three points. The 1980 Division 3 (the equivalent of junior C with entry confined to clubs with just one adult team) decider was also goalless with Kilmainham out pointing Boardsmill on a 0-7 to 0-5 scoreline at Pairc Tailteann. Once again Denis Newman was the top scorer, the midfielder sending over three points from frees. Full back Tom Nelson was the winning captain and Eugene McDonnell from Nobber the trainer/coach. In 1970 Denis Newman became the first Kilmainham footballer to gain a county 'cap', being a member of the Meath minor squad that lost to Dublin in that year's Leinster final. 

The Kilmainham club paid tribute to the club stalwart on their social media pages.

The Community of Kilmainham and beyond are devastated to hear of the sudden passing of Club stalwart Denis Newman following a very brief illness. The heart has been ripped out of the Community from his sudden, shock departure. He battled bravely and courageously right up until his death. As he said himself 'I am a young man, I will do whatever I need to do to get right'. He was still so full of life and was so positive and determined to get well. But unfortunately cancer knows no boundaries.

It was hard not to like Denis's honest personality. He was a unique and larger than life character. He said it as it was, made it his business to celebrate every family/Community function, called to sick neighbours and friends, called to congratulate those with good news and commiserate with those with bad. He usually arrived with his favourite 'scratchy cards'. He was a real Community man and enjoyed helping neighbours and friends out. Everyone who met him enjoyed his unique sense of humour. If you were looking for someone to have the craic with or get the party started, he was your man. He was the life and soul of parties.

He was extremely proud of his Club Kilmainham GFC. He fought for years to keep the club going along with many others, through good and bad years. He was always involved in the Club in some form, from playing, to being selector, to being on the committee. 

He loved nothing more than to watch his beloved sons and son in law play for Kilmainham and would follow them around the county and couldn’t be prouder to see both Mickey and Harry don the green and gold and line out for Meath.

He loved seeing Kilmainham competing against the bigger clubs. He got a great lift recently seeing Kilmainham lift the Tailteann Cup. It was a fitting tribute, that one of his sons was captain on the night.

He farmed all his life after leaving school at the age of 14. He loved it and fed the calves the night before going into hospital. He worked very hard all his life building it up bit by bit and can be extremely proud of what he has left behind.

His family was everything to him. Nothing gave him more pleasure than to see them excel both on and of the field. He was so proud of what they have achieved. He always had time for his grandchildren and loved to see them calling.

To his loving wife Kathleen: You were the one tasked with the job of keeping him on the 'straight and narrow' as he would say himself. Not an easy job!! But you did a fantastic job. You came as a pair and he loved you so much.

Everyone that met Denis has at least one story to tell! We look forward to hearing them over the days, weeks and months ahead as we pay our respects to a Club/Community legend, taken away from us too soon.

Funeral arrangements

Reposing at his home (A82 CX96) on Friday, March 24th, from 3 o'clock until 8 o'clock. House private at all other times please. Removal Saturday morning to St. Colmcille's Church, Kells arriving for 12 noon funeral mass which may be viewed live on kellsparish.ie. Burial afterwards in St. Colmcille's Cemetery.

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