It was with profound sadness that Rathkenny GFC and the wider local community learned of the passing of Sean Curtis.

While everyone knew that Sean had been going through a tough time recently with his health, it was still a great shock to come to the realisation that no more would we see Sean driving into the pitch for a game. It is no exaggeration to say that Sean and his beloved wife Nuala missed only a handful of Rathkenny games over the years. The Curtis name is entwined into the history and fabric of Rathkenny Gaelic football club and that name is carried on today through Sean’s grandchildren, who represent the club right through from Juvenile up to the Mens and Ladies adult teams.

Sean played with Rathkenny at underage as did his younger brothers Tom, Joe, Brendan, Dermot and Gabriel. He then played minor with the amalgamated Boyne Emmetts.  As Sean graduated from the minor ranks this coincided with a period where Rathkenny did not have an adult team so Sean started his adult career with Slane. However in 1963 Rathkenny got back up and running and Sean returned to his home club. While there was no championship silverware during this time, Rathkenny were successful in a number of tournaments - which were a big thing at the time.

After retiring from his on-field exploits, Sean went on to get involved in the administration side of the club, where he carried out a number of important roles with distinction, including that of Chairperson. Sean played a big part in fundraising for the club down through the years, especially in relation to the club lotto, where his tireless work continued right up until very recently. At the time of his passing, Sean was a club president.

With Sean marrying Nuala, herself from a staunch GAA family like the Russells from Tullyallen, it was always likey that their children would follow on in the tradition, and so it proved with all seven of their children being involved in some way with the Rathkenny club. A number of the lads also played hurling with Wolfe tones.

No matter what the game, Sean and Nuala were there, cheering them on. You only had to spend a short time in Sean’s company to see the pride that he had in all his children, in whatever path they had chosen in life. From a sporting point of view a number of the lads represented Meath at underage and adult level in football and hurling , gaining honours in both, including a Leinster Minor Football Championship Medal for Edmund. Senior All Ireland B hurling championship medals for both John and Donal.  The pride a GAA mad father like Sean must have taken from this and seeing his son Donal, also win Two All Ireland Senior Football Championship Medals can only be imagined.

Sean’s oldest son Edmund followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming Rathkenny club chairperson. Donal had the distinction of leading Rathkenny back to Senior football as manager of the Intermediate Championship winning team of 2023. Sean’s only Daughter, Bernadette played a leading role in getting a Rathkenny ladies team up and running.
In recent years Sean took no greater joy than going to watch his grandchildren play and we are sure he will be following every kick and catch from his lofty perch.
 
Sean Curtis will be missed by many but the legacy he leaves through his family, will live on.
 
Rathkenny Gaelic football club and LGFA would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Sean’s wife Nuala,  Edmund, Thomas, John, Bernadette, Donal, Dermot, Noel.
Sean’s brothers Tom and Gabriel, sisters Marie, Mildred, Dymphna and all the extended Curtis Family.

Ar dheis De go raibh a Anam

Tweet

Most Read Stories