Dermot O'Brien (Ardee) "Footballers and musicians bid farewell to Dermot O'Brien" - courtesy of The Argus, May 30 2007 Members of the 1957 All-Ireland winning Louth team formed a proud guard of honour as Dermot O'Brien was laid to rest. Hundreds of people from all over Ireland and abroad paid tribute to a man who packed so much into his 74 years. Described as a gentleman, a great man and an inspiration, he was revered and respected by all those from afar and near, who had the pleasure to meet him. Born in Ardee on October 23, 1932, he spent several years living in Dublin and New York before returning to Ardee. Dermot not only had the distinction of captaining the last Louth team to win the All Ireland Senior Football Final in 1957, but he was also a distinguished musician, accordion and singer with international recognition. As well as working with the Clubmen band, he had his own television show on RTE in the 1960s and 1970s and his hits included The Merry Ploughboy, which went straight to number one in 1966, as well as The Turfman from Ardee. Dermot was a fluent Irish speaker and a great ambassador for Ireland abroad, particularly in the USA. He appeared on American television with Bing Crosby and Ed Sullivan. Dermot was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Rosemarie (nee Walsh) and will be sadly and greatly missed by Catheryne, Ronan, Dermot, Grace and Roisin, also by his loving sisters Aileen, Maire, Toni and Trina, his brother-in-law Tony (Walsh), his sons-in-law Bill, Ryan and Bernard (Ferry), his daughters-in-law Moonyeen and Noeleen, his grandchildren Jeremy, Kate, Lily, Jack, Liam, Ronan, Neansai, Samantha, Dermot, Joseph and Padraig Joseph, his nephews, nieces and all those who were fortunate to have met him. During the funeral mass, RTE's sports legend and fellow Louth man Jimmy Magee, gave a lovely speech about his fellow song-writer and musician. "When I visited Dermot in hospital a few weeks ago, he asked me to speak at his funeral. I said I would but only if he promised to speak at mine if I went first,"Jimmy told the packed church. Among the many famous faces at the mass was Ronnie Drew, singer with The Dubliners. His son Ronan also spoke about his father and mother and their loving family while Dermot's sister Marie sang The Wind Beneath my Wings. During one of the biggest funerals for many years in Mid-Louth, singer Tony Kenny sang Ave Marie and also one of Dermot's own songs. Kevin Beahan, himself a former St Mary's player talked about playing with Dermot during his tribute. Among the priests celebrating funeral mass were Fr Brian D'Arcy, Fr Laurence Carraher, and Fr Adrian Farrelly. As the hearse left the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, the Ardee Concert Band played the well-known march 'Old Comrades' as the cortege headed up the Drogheda Road, past St. Mary's GFC ground, to Ballapousta graveyard. This march was a particular favourite of Dermot's and he especially asked that the band played it as he went on his final journey. The O'Brien connection with the band went back to Dermot's father, Paddy O'Brien, known locally as 'OB' who was the bandmaster of the Ardee Concert Band, which was known then as Ardee Brass & Reed Band. Dermot started in the band playing the triangle and then became an accomplished trombone player. Dermot was always a great supporter of the band and enjoyed attending the band's annual concerts since he came home to live in Ardee after spending a number of years living in the US. After the mass, the present St Mary's formed a team guard of honour at Ballapousta Cemetery. His family asked that in lieu of flowers donations could be made to Crumlin's Children's Hospital and Louth Palliative Care, c/o Byrne's Funeral Director's Ardee. Josephine Patricia 'Patsy' Dunne (Dundalk) The late Josephine Patricia Dunne was an honorary President of Clan Na Gael. She passed away suddenly at her Castletown Road residence on September 28. Affectionately known as Patsy, she was a lifelong member of Clan na Gael GFC. She worked on the ladies committee and was also associated with the club's bingo nights. Patsy closely followed the progress of all Clans teams and went to all corners of the Wee County to support the juveniles in particular. In 2005, she was made an Honorary President of her beloved club. Kathleen Breen (Blackrock) Kathleen Breen from Beech Park, Blackrock passed away suddenly on Wednesday September 12, less than a fortnight before her son Alan captained Geraldines to glory in the 2007 Louth minor football championship final. The Geraldines minor team provided a Guard of Honour at the removal and then went on to capture the county MFC title - a poignant victory which was dedicated to Kathleen. As Alan raised the Fr Larry Murray Cup into the crisp Dowdallshill air on Sunday September 23, he declared: "This is for you, mam." Joe Keenan (Jenkinstown) Joe Keenan was a keen St Patricks fan and he derived tremendous satisfaction from their Joe Ward Cup successes in 2003 and 2004. His nephew Paddy Keenan played an integral role in those victories and Joe would have been a proud man if he'd been around to witness Paddy leading the Pats to glory in 2007. Paddy, who also received an All Star nomination this year, immediately dedicated the '07 SFC victory to his late uncle, who died whilst working in Turkey. Joe's passing at the young age of 42 deprived his family of a much-loved and hard-working father figure. A great entrepreneur who was a self-made success, Joe took great pride in his nephew's leading roles for club and county and it was fitting that both peninsula clubs put aside their historic rivalry to provide guards of honour at his funeral. Alice Lennon (Ardee) Alice Lennon was the oldest resident of Old Dawson's Demesne in Ardee when she passed away at Louth County Hospital on March 21. Alice spent her entire life in the area and the local GAA club was a big part of her life. Members of St Marys GFC provided a Guard of Honour at her removal. Fergal Walsh (Tullyallen) The entire community of Tullyallen was shocked by the tragic death following a road traffic accident of 24-year-old local man Fergal Walsh. The popular young father had been a member of the Glen Emmets GAA club and had a tremendous interest in sport in general. He also played rugby and was an avid Liverpool FC supporter. James Reynolds (Drogheda) The late James Reynolds from Ballsgrove in Drogheda was much known and loved in the locality and beyond. He had a great love of all outdoor activities including football, golf, fishing and gardening. James followed all codes of football and will be remembered as an exemplary citizen of the town. Margaret 'Peggy' Gavin (Drogheda) From Sunnyside Cottages, Margaret 'Peggy' Gavin followed the fortunes of the now defunct Naomh Mhuire GAA club, for whom her brothers played. She supported the club enthusiastically from its foundation in 1946 and derived great pleasure from witnessing her brothers Jimmy and Eddie annex a junior championship in 1952 and a SFC the following year. Another brother, Paddy, won an FAI Cup medal with Dundalk in 1952 and played professional soccer for Doncaster Rovers FC. Michael Collins (Drogheda) As well as having a great Irish name, the late Michael Collins from Halpins Terrace was a very popular and respected man in the life of Drogheda. Michael, who was a pioneer and great family man, loved all sports and derived great satisfaction from watching his grandson Emmet Kelleher lining out for Oliver Plunketts GFC. Mick O'Brien (Drogheda) As a member of an old and loved Drogheda family, Mick O'Brien was part and parcel of the fabric of the town. Born in 1931, he developed a great respect in the area and his passing caused tremendous sadness. Throughout his life, he had a big interest in many sports, especially horse racing and the GAA. Matty Woods (Drogheda) Matty Woods from Weir Hope will be remembered as a loving family man. The Mornington Road resident loved all codes of football and horse racing. Sheila Judge (Drogheda) Sheila Judge of Harmony Heights was a member of one of Drogheda's best known GAA families. She was married to Newtown Blues and Louth gaelic football stalwart Jim 'Blackie' Judge and the Association played a huge part in her life. Blackie was a member of the Louth All-Ireland winning team in 1957 and the entire family have always been avid Blues and Wee County supporters. Gerard Morgan (Termonfeckin) The O'Raghallaighs club was stunned by the tragic death in January 2007 of Gerard Morgan, who was chairman of the club's juvenile committee and had been heavily involved with the Hoops for the previous twelve years. Originally from the Ballymakenny Road, Gerry lived with his family in Galroostown, Termonfeckin and was renowned for his love of both soccer and gaelic football. Dedicated and kind, Gerry always gave generously of his time as a coach, organiser and fundraiser. The O'Raghallaighs provided a Guard of Honour at both the removal and the funeral of their dearly departed friend, with over 100 players turning out to pay respects to their former coach. Gerry's loss is a massive one to both his family and the club. The void will never be filled. Brian Tumulty (Carrickmacross) Brian 'Barney' Tumulty from Corcreaghy, Carrickmacross was a popular publican who became well known in the Dundalk area. He was 77 when he passed away on October 28 at Louth County Hospital. During his younger years, he played football both for his native Magheracloone Mitchels in Monaghan and Geraldines GFC in Louth. Christy Watters (Haggardstown) The late Christy Watters spent all 71 years of his life in Haggardstown. He worked in St Oliver's Hospital for 40 years until his retirement in 1999. In his younger days he played football for Geraldines GFC and he remained a loyal supporter of the local parish outfit thereafter. His other great passions in life were greyhounds, horse racing and ballroom dancing. Geraldines provided a Guard of Honour at Christy's funeral and his Month's Mind was held in the Gers GFC Hall on Saturday October 6, 2007. Tom Staunton (Dundalk) Tom Staunton passed away peacefully at his Willow Grove, Carrick Road home on August 18 2007 following a long battle with illness, which he bore with dignity. A native of Mayo, where he lined out for Ballintubber, Tom represented the Connacht county in the 1962 All-Ireland minor football championship final and his services were in big demand when he located in Dundalk as a member of An Garda Siochana. He elected to play for Clan na Gael and was an imposing full forward with the Castletown Road club. All four of his sons - David, Stephen, Thomas and Padhraic - represented the Clans with distinction and Tom was a proud man supporting his children in all their endeavours, whether it was pulling on the red shirt of Louth or the green of Ireland. Steve had an extraordinary soccer career with Liverpool, Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland and was manager of the national side at the time of Tom's death. Among the offertory gifts at the funeral mass were a Mayo GAA jersey donated by Mayo County Board and a Clan na Gael jersey. Michael Lynch (Knockbridge) Michael Lynch from Corderry was one of the Dundalk area's most successful and highly-respected businessmen. Mickey, who passed away at the age of 53 on August 11, 2007, about a year after being diagnosed with a serious illness, left school at 14 and went on to develop one of the leading mens and boys drapery outlets on Clanbrassil Street. He played for his local Geraldines club and also served on the committee. Indeed, as well as the assistance of his wife Marie, Mickey's many football connections were most helpful in building up his menswear business. He was on the Gers team that claimed the Louth SFC in 1982 and also won an Old Gaels Cup in 1978. In 1979, he captained the club to the intermediate championship. He went on to serve the Blackrock/Haggardstown club as a selector and vice-chairman after a back injury prematurely ended his playing career. Michael's father Roger featured on Louth's 1950 All-Ireland final team. Paddy Quigley (Dundalk) Dundalk was in mourning on Sunday November 4, 2007 with news of the passing of Paddy Quigley, Road Two, Muirhevnamor. He was originally from Kilsaran and was active in many sporting organisations including Dundalk & District Brown Trout Anglers Association and Glyde Celtic FC in Castlebellingham. Paddy was also a keen supporter of O'Connells GFC, as well as Liverpool FC and Dundalk FC. Canon John Mulgrew (Dunleer) The late Canon John Mulgrew, who died at Moorehall Nursing Home in Ardee on Sunday June 17, 2007, had close ties with the St Kevins GAA club in Philipstown. As parish priest in Dunleer for 20 years (1975-95), he was appointed honorary president of the Kevins. Aged 90 at the time of his death, Canon Mulgrew was one of the longest-ever serving priests attached to St Patrick's in Dundalk. Joe and May McEneaney (Lordship) The local community was deeply saddened by the deaths of Joe McEneaney and his wife May from Annaloughan, Jenkinstown, Dundalk, who died within five days of each other in mid-April 2007. Joe was originally from Ardee and May was from The Ramparts. The couple were married for 58 years and became deeply involved in the Lordship community. Joe played on the first-ever St Patricks team in 1953 and the family supported the Pats with enthusiasm down through the years, with two of Joe and May's sons winning honours whilst donning the club colours. The GAA club provided a Guard of Honour at both funerals. Rose Corcoran (Knockbridge) Rose Corcoran formerly of Grange, Knockbridge passed away on April 10, 2007. A native of Inniskeen, she was 82 at the time of her death and had been a keen St Brides supporter all her life. Rose took great pride in watching her sons in action for the Brides and the Corcoran family is synonymous with the club today. Stephen McGuinness (Kilkerley) The late Stephen McGuinness was a lifelong supporter of St Brides GFC. Late of Cortial, Kilkerley, Dundalk, he lived in London where he ran a successful clothing business. He passed away on February 28 and was returned home to his native area for burial. Fr Dom Rafferty (Dundalk) Fr Dom Rafferty served his beloved Cooley Kickhams club as secretary and was also chairman of St Brides. From Earlsquarter, Riverstown, he was also a former chairman and manager of the Tir na nOg club in Portadown, County Armagh. Cooley Kickhams provided a Guard of Honour at Fr Dom's funeral as well as the use of their facilities. Donal McGeough (Knockbridge) The communities of Knockbridge and Ardee were shocked and saddened by the sudden death of 26-year-old Donal McGeough on April 2 2007. Donal was a native of Knockbridge but had lived in Ardee for a few years prior to his death. He had been a keen hurler in his youth and played for the local Knockbridge club. A skilled continental lorry driver, Donal also had a big interest in horse racing and his partner Carla Finlay gave birth to his daughter Keisha only seven month's before his sudden passing. Tom Casey (Dundalk) Tom Casey from 47 Fatima Drive passed away on March 9, 2007 and will be remembered very fondly as a great family man who boasted a deep love of his Irish heritage. Reared in Seatown, he spent all his working life with McCann's Bakery. Tom was a keen GAA follower. He particularly enjoyed hurling and was involved in starting up the Naomh Moninne club as well as the genesis of the annual Poc Fada festival. Naomh Moninne hurling club provided a Guard of Honour at the removal. Margaret 'Peggy' Hoey (Knockbridge) The late Margaret Hoey was at the heart of a family with strong connections to Knockbridge and Louth GAA. Peggy from Kilcroney, Stonetrough, Knockbridge will be remembered as one of the Wee County's most passionate followers. She was wife of long-serving County Board delegate Peter Hoey, mother of former Louth footballer Anthony Hoey and grandmother of current Brides and Louth star Aaron Hoey. As a mark of respect to Peggy, Aaron lined out for Louth against Galway in the national football league at Dowdallshill on the day of her burial. Eamon Dowdall (Dundalk) From Cluan Enda, Eamon Dowdall passed away on March 10, 2007 at the age of 26. He loved sport and played for the local CBS and Young Irelands in his youth. Only three years before his death, the Dundalk chef underwent a heart transplant and he had returned to full health before his sudden passing. On the intercounty front, he had an affinity for the Dubs, in keeping with his individual style. Sean Farrell (Mullacrew) Sean Farrell, who died suddenly on January 16, 2007, gave great service to Glyde Rangers during his life. Aged 54 at the time of his passing, Sean was only a minor when he first broke onto the Glyde team and he won a minor and junior championship double in 1969. A skilful, traditional full back, he went on to represent his local club for 13 years and won an intermediate championship in 1977. Sean's only child, Nigel, was a member of the Louth minors in 2007. At the removal, guards of honour were provided by Glyde Rangers, St Mochtas, the Louth minor footballers and St Mary's College. Margaret Dullaghan (Dundalk) Originally from Castleblayney, Mrs Margaret Dullaghan (nee Kelly) from Mooretown, Dublin Road, Dundalk lived in Louth's county town for almost 30 years. Sport was one of her great passions and she both played and followed gaelic football with great enthusiasm. She even played at Croke Park. Aged 60 at the time of her passing, Margaret will be remembered as a dedicated family member who was devoted to her husband, sons and daughters. John Dowling (Dundalk) John Dowling from Point Road was a lifelong member of the St Mochtas club. John played for the Louth village side for 22 years and was also a selector. Born in County Laois, he came to live in Louth village at the age of twelve and he would become an ardent Mochtas member. During the course of an extraordinary career, he won a Second Division Championship in 1956 and a junior championship in 1975, as well as a Macardle Cup medal. He also gained the attention of the county selectors and played for Louth in the national league. In later years, John also formed an affinity with the Sean O'Mahonys club through his son David. The St Mochtas club provided a Guard of Honour at his funeral. Brendan Woods (Shelagh) The death of Brendan Woods from Cortial, Kilkerley left a huge void in the Naomh Malachi club. The sudden passing on January 30, 2007 shocked the communities of Kilkerley and Shelagh, as well as Brendan's native Hackballscross. An accomplished footballer who made the No.7 shirt his own, Brendan starred on the first-ever Naomh Malachi side to win a championship - the 1979 JFC-winning team. Prior to joining the Malachis, he also garnered a Division Two medal with St Brides. He remained extremely popular in the locality throughout his life and this was evident at his funeral as members of Naomh Malachi, Kilkerley Emmets, St Brides and Mannan Golf Club combined to form a Guard of Honour. Pat Lawless (Dundalk) Much sorrow was caused by the death at Louth County Hospital on January 17, 2007 of Patrick 'Pat' Lawless from Fr Murray Park. A keen gaelic footballer with Clan na Gael during his younger years, Pat was 66 at the time of his passing. A quiet and friendly man, he followed the Clans all his life. Christopher Sharkey (Kilkerley) The late Christopher Sharkey from Carrickrobin, Kilkerley, Dundalk was associated with the Kilkerley Emmets club, who helped form a Guard of Honour at his funeral. James McFadden (Faughart) Upper Faughart lost a popular and well-known member when James McFadden died suddenly at his home on May 26, 2007. Prior to moving to Faughart following his marriage in 1962, James was involved with the Dowdallshill club. Originally from the Doylesfort Road, he raised funds to contribute to the building of the old clubhouse and pitch in 1953. Though he was always a Dowdaller first and foremost, Jim didn't mind bringing young kids to underage training with Naomh Brid, as part of his ongoing service to the Faughart community. Tom Begley (Hackballscross) Tom Begley of Tavanamore, Hackballscross, Dundalk died peacefully in Beaumont Hospital on May 15, 2007, aged 87. Tom was a founder member of the Shelagh branch of the IFA. Outside of his lifetime vocation to farming, the committed family man also boasted a great interest in gaelic football. He shared the presidency of his local Naomh Malachi club for many years. Vera McArdle (Dundalk) Members of the Roche Emmets club were greatly saddened by the passing of Vera McArdle from New Inn, Newry Road at Louth County Hospital on February 7. In times gone by, Vera took great pride in watching all six of her sons in action for Roche Emmets. Dessie O'Callaghan (Dundalk) On New Year's Eve 2006, Dessie O'Callaghan passed away at his Cedarwood Park home. He was a football fanatic throughout his 64 years and had a lifelong association with Roche Emmets. His father was a founder member of the club and Dessie played for Roche in his younger days. He won an U16 divisional championship medal in 1958 and his brother Gerry was a member of the first Roche team to win a senior title. Dessie regularly travelled to Croke Park to support Louth. Rose McShane (Riverstown) The late Rose McShane from Riverstown, Dundalk was originally from Lordship and followed Cooley Kickhams all her life. She was 78 when she passed away at Louth County Hospital on February 15, 2007. William 'Billy' Coleman (Dundalk) The late Billy Coleman passed away at his Fatima Drive home on December 10, 2006. One of the best-known photographers in Dundalk, he served the Naomh Moninne hurling club as an officer and was also active in the early days of Poc Fada. Eugene McKenna (Dromiskin) Dromiskin native and former Louth footballer Eugene McKenna was resident in Carrickmacross when he passed away in late 2006, at the age of 61. He joined An Garda Siochana in 1965 and served in the Monaghan/Cavan division for 37 years. He possessed a great passion for sport, going back to his days at the CBS, with whom he won a McArdle Cup in 1959. Eugene went on to play for St Josephs and also lined out for the Wee County at minor and senior levels. Outside Louth, he played for the Guards and also represented Monaghan clubs Aughnamullen and Ballybay as well as the Monaghan county team. Philomena Flynn (Carlingford) Philomena Flynn from South Commons, Carlingford passed away on January 6, 2007, aged 76, having lived in her native area all her life. As a show of support to the local GAA club, she helped out on the Cooley Kickhams ladies committee. John 'Johnny' Campbell (Monvallet) For most of his 88 years, Johnny Campbell was an enthusiastic supporter of the Louth senior football team, regularly attending matches to lend his support to the Wee County. Edward Corrigan (Castlebellingham) Castlebellingham lost one of its most recognisable figures with the passing of Edward Corrigan from Drumleck. Edward loved farming and he loved animals. He had a deep interest in sport, especially GAA and his local St Josephs club. The last match he ever attended was the Joes' SFC semi-final win in 2006. He wasn't well enough to attend the final as Joes triumphed over the Pats but was a happy man when members of the winning team brought the Joe Ward Cup to his home the following week. Patricia Burton (Louth) Louth village lady Patricia Burton was a dedicated supporter of the local gaelic football club, St Mochtas. She travelled far and wide to attend their matches throughout her 81 years amongst us. Patricia died on April 4, 2007. Patrick Quigley (Blackrock) The entire community of Blackrock and further afield was numbed by the tragic death of 20-year-old local man Patrick Quigley in an accident on Wednesday January 31, 2007. St Oliver Plunkett's Church was overflowing with heartbroken mourners at his funeral on Saturday February 3, the huge numbers reflecting the amount of people Patrick touched during his short life. From the Rock Road, Patrick was a fine footballer and was a member of the Marist senior team during his final year at the school. He played his part as they reached the 2004/05 Lennon Cup final. He will be fondly remembered as an exceptional young man by all those who were lucky enough to know him. James 'Jim Joe' Sheelan (Cooley) Though he lived in Liverpool for 45 years, Jim Joe Sheelan was originally from Rathcore in Cooley and never lost touch with his peninsula roots. He was renowned as a great character in the Cooley area before he emigrated. He followed the Kickhams all his life and checked their results every week. James passed away on January 11, 2007, aged 83. Patrick 'Paddy' Woods (Hackballscross) Late of Shanmullagh, Hackballscross, Patrick Woods passed away on January 24, 2007. He had played football with the now-defunct Shelagh Emmets and was active on the Shelagh ladies GAA committee. Patrick 'Paddy' Matthews (Ardee) Ardee and district was saddened by the passing of Patrick Matthews from Dundalk Road on February 11, 2007. Member of an old and distinguished local family, he played gaelic football with Sean O'Carrolls GFC and then with Sean McDermotts. With the latter, he enjoyed a Ranafast Cup success in 1952. James 'Jagger' Woods (Dundalk) From Fatima Drive, James 'Jagger' Woods passed away at the Louth Hospital on February 14, 2007, aged 83. Originally from St Gerard's Square, he had a strong association with Sean O'Mahonys GFC throughout his life. He played for the club in his younger days and was inaugurated into the O'Mahonys Hall of Fame. Representatives of the club provided a Guard of Honour at Jagger's funeral. Majella Glenny (Kilkerley) Formerly of Plaster, Kilkerley, Dundalk, Majella Glenny (nee Mulholland) passed away unexpectedly in England on January 21, 2007. In her youth, she was regarded as a truly excellent camogie player by everybody in Kilkerley and beyond. She represented Kilkerley camogie club with distinction. Majella spent the last 35 years of her life in Amersham with her husband Jonathan. Peter Kelly (Paughanstown) A link with the past was severed when 91-year-old Peter Kelly passed on to his eternal reward on April 26, 2007. From a family of nine children, he played football for the local St Kevins team and maintained an active role in the club for many years. He manned the gate for home matches in Philipstown for many years and ensured that nobody gained access without parting with the requisite few bob. Peter loved The Sunday Game and never missed a live match. Jim Myles (Knockbridge) Originally from the Churchtown area of Ardee, Jim Myles of Cavan Road, Knockbridge was 64 when he passed away at Louth County Hospital on July 15, 2007. Throughout his life, he was a dedicated supporter of both his local Sean McDermotts club and the Louth county team. Jim took great satisfaction in watching the Wee County in action on television only a few days before he died. Brendan Matthews (Dromiskin) The late Brendan Matthews from Whiterath in Dromiskin was a big football supporter all his life. He became an integral part of the local community during his 80 years and won a junior championship as goalkeeper with Dromiskin Unknowns in 1955. Rose McShane (Riverstown) From Ballinamara, Rose was a big supporter of the local Cooley Kickhams GFC. She always followed the club's fortunes through thick and thin. Sadly, Rose passed away at Louth County Hospital on February 15, 2007, aged 78. Joseph Kelledy (Dundalk) Throughout his life, Joseph Kelledy of 25 Hughes Park held a passionate interest in gaelic football - particularly the welfare of the county team. Known to many generations of townsfolk as a barman and great character, Joe was at Croke Park with his sons as Louth beat Cork in the 1957 All-Ireland senior football championship final. From then until his death on November 27, 2006, he hardly missed a Louth game. Thomas O'Brien (Kilsaran) Thomas O'Brien lived in the Kilsaran area for 28 years and was a native of Athenry in Galway. He played football and hurling for Galway and also played during a spell in Birmingham. He was 78 years old when he died on December 15, 2006. Donal Duffy (Dundalk) Born in Belfast in 1920, the late Donal Duffy from Ravensdale came to live in Louth in the early 1930s. He will be remembered as a staunch republican and Irish nationalist with a vast interest in the culture of his native country. He performed annually as a piper in the Poc Fada na hEireann and never missed a year since its inception in 1960. Donal passed away suddenly on March 30, 2007. Michael 'Mikey' Gregory (Riverstown) On January 22 2007, the Cooley area bade fond farewell to Mikey Gregory, one of its most popular inhabitants. From Johnstown, Riverstown and originally from Castletowncooley, Michael was a passionate supporter of both Cooley Kickhams and Louth. He passed away following a short illness, at the age of 77. George Campbell (Jenkinstown) St Patricks GFC lost a keen supporter when George Campbell from Annaloughan lost his life in a tragic accident on March 25, 2007. A well known and popular local figure, George was a skilled carpenter and committed family man. Ambrose 'Amby' Kane (Riverstown) With the passing of local man Ambrose Kane on May 4, 2007, Cooley Kickhams lost a supporter who always had the best interests of the club at heart. The Templetown native had an interest in many sports, but Amby was seen as a Cooley man first and foremost. Mary 'Molly' Basquille (Dundalk) Molly was originally from Francis Street and resided at Rockmount Gardens on the Carrick Road at the time of her passing on May 4, 2007. A member of the popular McCluskey family, she played camogie in Haggardstown as a young woman. Roy Magee (Blackrock) The late Roy Magee, who was born in Antrim, had the distinction of playing senior football for three different counties - Mayo, Dublin and Louth. An extensive teaching career took him to Dundalk and he was well known as an honourable man at the CBS. An excellent all round sportsman, Roy took so well to his adoptive county that he was nominated for the Louth Person of the Year award in 1992. He was 66 when he passed away at his Beech Park home on March 15, 2007. Patrick 'Pat' Hanlon (Carlingford) From Willville, Patrick Hanlon was one of the best known figures in Carlingford prior to his death on April 27, 2007. He lived in the Cooley area all his life and was just short of his 94th birthday when he passed away. He was a dedicated follower of the GAA and, in particular, Cooley Kickhams. Geraldine Heeney (Dundalk) One of the town's best musicians, Geraldine Heeney of Castletown Road passed away on June 10, 2007, aged 84. Extremely proud of her Irish heritage, she had a natural attraction to gaelic football and was a big fan of Clan na Gael. Geraldine was a proud woman when her son Mickey led the Clans to the 1992 county SFC and went on to achieve further success with the Louth U21s. Joseph Hosford (Cooley) A very talented gaelic footballer, Joey Hosford played for Louth at minor and U21 levels. He lined out at right corner forward as the Wee County faced Kildare in the 1983 Leinster U21 football championship final at Navan. Joey gave an outstanding performance at wing forward as Cooley Kickhams won the 1979 Louth MFC final and he got on the scoresheet again as Cooley claimed the Junior 2 championship the following year. He also represented the Kickhams in a county U21 decider and won a London championship medal with Parnells. Joey was only 44 at the time of his tragic death. Patsy McGuinness (Kilkerley) With the tragic death of Patsy McGuinness, who was in his 65th year, Kilkerley lost one of its most popular sons. From Cortial, Patsy spent most of his life in his native townland. He represented both Kilkerley Emmets and Fane Rangers on the field of play and was also an ardent supporter and generous sponsor of the Emmets. He was the club's designated umpire and attended almost every match. Patsy's wife Susan (nee Lennon) is a former Louth and Leinster camogie great. Their son Colm plays for Kilkerley and represented Louth in the 2004 national football league. Patsy's brother Anthony managed both John Mitchells and St Brides in the past. David Hoey (Blackrock) David Hoey was only 43 when he passed away peacefully at his Greengates, Blackrock home on June 23, 2007. Having spent the previous 16 years in Australia, he returned to the Dundalk area shortly before his death. David played football for the Geraldines in his youth and was also active in Scor competition, where he developed somet Tweet

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