Sad to report the passing of former Clann na nGael stalwart Martin Doherty.

His club have paid tribute to the former legend on their social media pages.

It was with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of Martin Doherty. Although we knew that Martin had been unwell for some time, it's still a shock to hear that news. Everyone in Clann na nGael GAA Club send our deepest sympathy to Olive, Mark, Ian and the wider Doherty family and Martin's large circle of friends.

Martin came from a very well respected GAA family. The Doherty name is synonymous with the GAA in Athboy over the past 100 years up until the present day. Martin's father (Rack Doherty) and his uncle Jim won an All-Ireland Junior Title in 1927, indeed there were 8 Athboy lads on that team 98 years ago.

Martin was a very tall imposing figure as a boy and played Juvenile Hurling and Football all the way up for the O’Growney Hurling & Football Club. It was a family affair as Martin played from Juvenile up to Senior Level with his brothers Tommy (RIP) and John.

In 1964 the club won their first ever Feis Cup, Martin was of course part of that team and went on to win 6 Feis Cups, his last in 1984 aged 38. Along with the Feis Cups Martin won 5 Senior Hurling Championships with Athboy and numerous other titles.

One thing many people have said about Martin over the years was that he had a massive puck of the sliothar. Martin took part in the All-Ireland long puc competition in the Cooley Mountains and finished second to the legendary Ollie Walsh of Kilkenny on both occasions.

As a grown man Martin was a very imposing figure at full back and along with Joe McGovern and Tom Collins, they formed a full back line that was feared throughout the County. Not only were the 3 of them big strong men but very classy hurlers aswell. Martin finished his playing career in goals, this was because of his massive puck-outs and his brilliant eye for the ball.

Martin along with his brother John emulated the glory days of their father and uncle when in 1970 they were part of the Meath Team which won the All-Ireland Junior Hurling Title, some 43 years later.

When Martin retired from Hurling and football he switched to Pitch & Putt winning numerous titles over the years, golf was also a big part of Martin's latter years and his style was well noted over the many Golf courses he graced in Meath and beyond.

Martin has gone now to his eternal reward and will join the many others who have gone before him who represented the Club with honour over many years. He will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to meet him, his beaming smile, his warm caring nature and the Gentleman that he was.

Rest in Peace Martin.

Funeral Details

Reposing in Mullens Funeral Home, Athboy (C15KW58) on Wednesday at 4pm until 7pm. Removal on Thursday morning leaving his residence arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am in the Church of St. Lawrence, Rathmore, followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery.

Tweet

Most Read Stories