Finbarr Clarke (Castletown-Geoghegan): Westmeath GAA lost one of its most dedicated and popular members in the early hours of Saturday morning, April 28 when that great Castletown-Geoghegan hurling stalwart, Finbarr Clarke, died unexpectedly. Aged just 52, Finbarr was a member of the famous Clarke family which is synonymous with the black and ambers, and his sudden passing caused widespread sadness, shock and disbelief. He was passionate about hurling and influenced many youngsters in Castletown to take up the caman. It's probably fair to say that there isn't a young man or teenager in Castletown who didn't come under Finbarr's wing at some stage. Finbarr was a talented hurler in his younger years, having represented both his club and county with distinction. His first hurling success came in 1969 when he lined out at wing back on Castletown's under 14 championship winning side. Fittingly, when Castletown regained the under 14 crown after a 28-year lapse in 1997, Finbarr was a team mentor. The 1969 under 14 success heralded the beginning of a glorious era for Castletown which extended into the early 1990s. A year after winning his under 14 championship memento, Finbarr garnered the first of five under 21 medals. Of the five under 21 triumphs, the 1975 victory over a Brownstown team packed with senior experience provided Finbarr with the most satisfaction. "Going into the final, we hadn't been given much of a chance because Brownstown were able to field 12 players with senior experience, while only Dessie Costello, Willie Lowry and myself had played for the our senior team," he recalled in an interview with this Yearbook in 1998. Four years passed before Finbarr picked up the first of four senior championship souvenirs. His other medals were won in 1982, '86 and '90. He also won Feis Cup and league honours and was a key member of the St. Malachy's side that won the senior football championship at Athlone's expense in 1981. Whenever he played for Castletown or St. Malachy's, he gave 100 per cent commitment and was always quick to offer his opponent a handshake after the final whistle. Finbarr's sterling performances for Castletown earned him inter-county recognition. Between 1978 and '83, he was a regular on the Westmeath senior side, during which time he annexed Walsh and Kehoe Cup medals. Prior to graduating to the senior team, Finbarr had helped Westmeath to win an All-Ireland minor 'Special' hurling championship alongside the likes of Michael Kilcoyne and Mick Cosgrave. Following his retirement from playing in 1995, Finbarr immersed himself in underage coaching and was a driving force behind Castletown's dominance of the underage championships in recent years. He had a great way with youngsters, always encouraging and cajoling them no matter how adept they were with the hurl. He also served as a county underage coach and mentor, and was deeply involved with the Westmeath under 14 development squad at the time of his death. Finbarr instilled his passion for the game in his two sons, Joe and Aonghus, who are fine hurlers in their own right. Joe is an established member of the Westmeath senior hurling team and one of Finbarr's proudest moments was seeing him play a starring role in the Lake County's Christy Ring Cup triumph in 2005. Finbarr didn't live to see Aonghus captain the Castletown-Geoghegan and Westmeath under 14 teams to their respective All-Ireland Feile na nGael and Tony Forristal tournament victories last summer, but he was surely there in spirit. Finbarr was so proud of his two boys and for good reason. He was also delighted to see his nephew Alan Mangan play his part in Westmeath's historic Leinster SFC success in 2004. Each of Finbarr's six brothers - Myles, Ray, Niall, Kevin, Eamonn and Joe - represented their county at some grade of hurling or another. Their love for the game was passed down from their late father Joe, who served as chairman of the Westmeath hurling board in the 1950s and was a selector with the county team for 25 years. Finbarr held many officerships at club and county board level down the years, and was the vice-chairman of both Castletown-Geoghegan and the Westmeath minor board in 2007. He was due to assume the position of minor board chairman this year. He was Castletown chairman when they defeated Lough Lene Gaels to land their first Examiner Cup in 14 years in 2004, and was a senior team selector in 2006. While hurling was his passion, family life came first with Finbarr. He shared a beautiful home with his wife Mary and sons Joe and Aonghus, a home that was always most welcoming. A building contractor by profession, Finbarr also took a keen interest in horseracing and was a member of Moate Golf Club. Despite his easy going personality, he was a pillar of the community and was extremely proud of where he came from. He spent a lifetime working for the betterment of Westmeath hurling and his passing leaves a huge void. Such was the high esteem in which Finbarr was held that his funeral was one of the biggest ever seen in Westmeath. Castletown-Geoghegan came to a standstill on Monday evening, April 30 as thousands of mourners paid their respects at his removal. Finbarr's removal from his home to St. Michael's Church took place shortly after 6pm, but it was well after 9pm before the throngs had filed through the church to pay their respects. Another large crowd attended his funeral the following morning. Many of those who gathered on the Monday night were deeply involved in hurling and the GAA. Guards of honour were provided by the Castletown-Geoghegan hurling club, the Westmeath senior hurling panel and the Westmeath minor board to name but a few. Nellie Finglas (Castlepollard): Like her late husband Moss, Nellie was a stalwart of Castlepollard hurling over many years. She took on many roles in the club, from washing jerseys to making sandwiches. When Castlepollard held their centenary celebrations a few years ago, many of the old photographs which adorned the clubhouse walls were supplied by the Finglas family. Nellie's sons Michael, Jimmy and the late Terry all hurled for 'Pollard at senior level, while Joseph won an under 14 championship medal in 1974. Nellie's daughters Helena, Mary and Deborah were also talented camogie players. Helena captained the Westmeath camogie team and represented both Castlepollard and St. Munna's at club level. In the space of five years, Castlepollard has lost two of its most dedicated members with the passing of Nellie and Moss. And it goes without saying they are both sadly missed. Eamonn Tuite (Collinstown): A skilled tradesman, Eamonn made a huge contribution to the development of Ringtown's new complex and playing field in Whitehall. In fact, since the commencement of the project in 1998, he had been assisting Ringtown through his involvement with FAS. He became very much part of the local community, and was well liked and respected by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. A guard of honour was provided by members of Ringtown hurling club at his removal to Collinstown Church in recognition of his work for the club. Jane Carr (Clonmellon): Aged 87, Jane was a member of a well-known and highly respected family in Clonmellon. Predeceased by her husband Joe in 1999, Jane's son Martin played hurling for Brownstown and Westmeath, and football for St. Paul's. Her eldest son Tommy was also a talented sportsman and won a senior football championship medal with The Downs. Martin O'Brien (Tyrrellspass): Martin, whose death occurred on May 19 following a long illness, was a well-known figure in Tyrrellspass and, more recently, in Kinnegad where he resided for the past number of years. In his youth, he played football and won honours with both Tyrrellspass and St. Mary's, Rochfortbridge. His son Lorcan kept goal for Tyrrellspass during the 1990s and featured on the club's 1997 junior championship winning side. Members of the Tyrrellspass GAA provided a guard of honour at his removal to Meedin Church where his number 14 jersey was draped over his coffin. Antoinette Gallagher (St. Loman's): Antoinette's sudden death last May caused widespread shock and sadness. In her mid-fifties, Antoinette was the wife of Westmeath GAA personality Ollie Gallagher who, together, were among the best known and most highly thought of couples in Mullingar. With an abiding interest in GAA and other sporting activities, Antoinette travelled far and wide with her husband to games, and also to watch her only son Stephen in action for St. Loman's, UCD, Westmeath and Mullingar Athletic AFC. Antoinette was a true St. Loman's supporter and endeared herself to players and supporters alike with her quick wit and endless good humour. Ollie has been videoing GAA matches for nearly two decades and in that time, Antoinette was nearly always by his side. Before taking up the video camera, Ollie was regarded as one of the best hurling goalkeepers in Leinster and represented both his club St. Brigid's and Westmeath with distinction. He was an automatic choice on the Westmeath team throughout the 1970s and was part of the great St. Brigid's team that won a three-in-a-row of senior hurling championships between 1970 and 1972, captaining the side in the latter year. Paddy Cochrane (Moate): Widespread shock and sadness greeted the sudden passing of 45-year-old Paddy Cochrane on January 26 last. Paddy was synonymous with Moate through his constant involvement in a myriad of organisations in the town down through the years. Paddy was equally as well known for his voluntary work as for running the family pub on Main Street, Moate. The Cochrane family has a long association with Moate All-Whites with Paddy's brothers Danny and John being especially well known in local GAA circles. A Hogan Cup winner with Carmelite College in the 1970s, John is manager of The Greville Arms Hotel in Mullingar, which sponsored the Westmeath football team for many years, and is also deeply involved in underage coaching with St. Loman's. Colm Clarke (Dysart): Colm was a very popular young man in the Dysart and Castletown-Geoghegan areas. He played underage football with St. Malachy's and was a great supporter of all the club's activities. He had a great passion for music and provided entertainment at some of the club's functions in the past. His father Joe founded the St. Malachy's club in the late 1960s. Ber Murtagh (Killucan and Raharney): Ber was one of Westmeath GAA's best-known figures, and his sudden passing on September 21 last caused widespread shock and sadness throughout the county. In his mid-fifties, he was a stalwart of Killucan and Raharney GAA, and was a driving force behind many fundraising committees, particularly in recent years. He was part of the successful Punchestown Race Day Committee and was deeply involved in organising race nights at Mullingar Greyhound Stadium to raise funds for the Westmeath football team. A director in the hugely successful Raharney-based company Shay Murtagh Ltd, Ber was also a leading hurling referee throughout the 1980s and 1990s, taking charge of three Westmeath senior hurling finals in 1982, '86 and '89. He had a lifelong association with the Killucan and Raharney clubs and was chairman when his beloved Killucan won the intermediate football championship in 2005. As a club delegate, Ber was a competent performer at both football board and county board level. There were massive attendances at his removal, which took place from St. Camillus Nursing Centre Chapel, and at his Funeral Mass in Rathwire Church. Guards of honour were provided by both the Killucan and Raharney clubs, which stretched all the way from St. Camillus Centre to Rathwire Church. A minute's silence was observed at several GAA fixtures on the weekend of his death. Former Westmeath county board chairman Seamus Whelan paid a glowing tribute to the popular Killucan man. "Ber was a great Killucan and Westmeath GAA stalwart and we will miss his cheerful presence on Westmeath GAA fields and beyond," he said. Mary-Jo Penrose (Ballynacargy): Mary-Jo was the mother of Longford-Westmeath TD and Ballynacargy GAA stalwart Willie Penrose. Always a loyal supporter of the club, Mary-Jo's sons have given many years of sterling service on and off the playing field. Her late husband Thomas also played for the club. Charlie Fitzgerald (Caulry): Charlie's name was synonymous with Caulry GAA over a long number of years. He began his playing career in 1938 and was a key member of Caulry's junior and intermediate championship winning teams in 1944 and '46 respectively. When he finished playing, he became involved in administration and by the time of his death, had given seven decades of outstanding service to the club. Charlie travelled all over the county supporting Caulry at both adult and juvenile level, and it always brought joy to his heart to see the club succeed, most recently in 2006 when his nephew Aidan Dunning guided the Mount Temple outfit to junior championship glory. Tom Reid (Kilbeggan): Tom always took a keen interest in the fortunes of Kilbeggan Shamrocks, whom his sons Vinny and Aidan represented with distinction. His grandsons Declan and Brendan Nannery play with the St. Joseph's club in nearby Streamstown and have represented Westmeath at various levels. Eamon Coleman (Athlone and Derry): The death of Derry's 1993 All-Ireland winning manager Eamon Coleman on June 11 provoked deep sadness in Athlone where he played his club football during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was one of the stars of the great Athlone team of that era and helped the Shannonsiders to senior championship wins in 1977, '79 and '82. Aged 59, Eamonn hailed from Ballymaguigan in south Derry and made his senior debut for the club at the age of just 15. He first came to prominence on the national stage when he featured at left half forward on Derry's All-Ireland winning minor team of 1965. He also won an All-Ireland under 21 medal with what was effectively the same Derry team in 1968. When his playing career ended, he became a successful manager and his finest hour came in 1993 when he guided the Oak Leaf County to an historic All-Ireland final victory over Cork. Westmeath football legend and current Leitrim manager Dessie Dolan snr was a team-mate of Coleman's during his time with Athlone, as well as being a close personal friend of the charismatic Derry man. "Eamon was part of the family here for five or six years," Dessie explained. "He was a very decent, thoughtful man and he would never let Christmas go by without giving something to my lads. "He lived with me when he was working around the area, in places like Athlone and Mullingar. He was a bricklayer by trade and he worked on the building of the college of Athlone (then Athlone RTC)." Recalling his playing days, Dessie said: "He was an excellent footballer. He was very clever, with a great sidestep and he was very tough for a small man." Sean Spollen (Tubberclair): Sean served Tubberclair GAA for many years as both a player and a club member. The high esteem in which he was held was reflected by in the large turnout of Gaels at his removal. Mona Egerton (Cloughan): Mona was a great supporter of Clonkill hurling and The Downs football clubs down the years and was proud to see her sons Johnnie, Alo and Martin represent both clubs. Paddy Claffey (Castledaly): Paddy was a lifelong member of Castledaly GAA club. A minute's silence was observed in his memory before Castledaly's senior football championship quarter-final against Tyrrellspass in September. Kathleen Smyth (Shandonagh): The death took place on June 28 of Shandonagh club president Kathleen Smyth. Kathleen was a great Shandonagh supporter and rarely missed a match involving the club. As a mark of respect, all Shandonagh GAA activities were cancelled on the week of her passing. The club also formed a guard of honour at her Funeral Mass in Brotenstown Church. Kathleen also took a keen interest in traditional Irish music and local politics, and was an active member of Fianna Fail. Paddy Heery (St. Loman's): Another link with St. Loman's 1948 senior football championship winning team was severed in January 2008 with the passing of Paddy Heery. A native of Co. Cavan, Paddy maintained his association with the club throughout his life and visited the clubhouse regularly up to recent years. Paddy began his working life in the army where he developed his football skills. On leaving the army, he commenced a career in psychiatric nursing in St. Loman's Hospital where he dedicated the remainder of his working life to the patients in his care. Gerry Keyes (Athlone and Mayo): Athlone Gaels were saddened to learn of the death of Lt Colonel Gerry Keyes in September. Gerry played both football and hurling for Athlone in his younger years and also played for his native Mayo. Nan Nugent (Clonkill): Nan, who was in her 98th year, was the wife of Clonkill and Westmeath hurling legend Tod Nugent, who predeceased her a few years ago. She was a member of the Scally family whose contribution to Clonkill hurling has also been remarkable. It was Nan's brother Mick Scally and her future husband Tod who played a major role in the Clonkill club's revival in 1927, and after winning the county junior championship in 1928, Clonkill went on to achieve a four-in-a-row of senior championship wins from 1929 to '32. Not surprisingly, Nan was a keen hurling supporter and saw her husband go on to win three more senior championship medals with Clonkill between 1939 and '41. Tod was also a member of Westmeath's 1936 All-Ireland junior championship winning team and of the side that lost to Kilkenny in the 1937 Leinster senior hurling final. Christy Dunne (Castletown-Geoghegan): Christy, who passed to his eternal reward in October, was a former player with the black and ambers and always kept an eye on how the club's senior and juvenile teams were faring over the years. Joe Scally (Garrycastle): Joe's passing, following a short illness, cast a cloud of deep sadness over the Garrycastle club at the beginning of 2008. He was heavily involved in the club's activities from the time of its formation in 1981. He was active on several committees and also acted as team selector at both underage and adult level. In addition, he played a leading role in the formation of the Garrycastle camogie club in the early 1980s. Joe took great pride and satisfaction from all of Garrycastle's successes over the years, and was also a loyal Westmeath supporter. Even after he and his wife Nancy moved to Curramore near Kiltoom some years ago, they continued to support Garrycastle. Joe was unstinting in his support for the club's weekly lotto and right up to his final illness, he ensured that his tickets were sold each week. Apart from his GAA involvement, Joe was a capable performer in other sports, including squash, badminton and pitch and putt. Margaret Collins (Collinstown): A native of Rickardstown, Collinstown, Margaret (Maggie) was the beloved mother of Mullingar Shamrocks stalwart Pat Collins. Pat has been a driving force behind Shamrocks' underage section for many years and has also a close association with St. Oliver Plunkett's, who his son Peter plays for at senior level. Kathleen Mahon (Brownstown): Kathleen was one of Brownstown's most dedicated followers. She supported all teams in the club, from underage to senior, and took great satisfaction from the Blues' many successes over the years. Oliver 'Audie' Ginnell (Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall): 'Audie' was a great clubman and was honorary president of Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall at the time of his passing. He was a huge part of everything that was good about the club, and was ever-present in the stand or terrace whenever its teams were in action. 'Audie' also supported the Castlepollard hurlers and in 1982, when 'Pollard hosted Ballygunner from Waterford in the All-Ireland Feile na nGael, he and his late wife Agnes obliged the club by hosting three of the young hurlers at their home. PJ Hassett (Mullingar): PJ, who died in November, was a long-time supporter of Mullingar Shamrocks and St. Oliver Plunkett's and his sons Johnny and Paddy have represented both clubs. Mary Maxwell (Coralstown/Kinnegad): Mary was a great supporter of Coralstown/Kinnegad, whom her family are deeply involved with, and was a pillar of the local community, having been involved in many organisations over the years. Pat Jackson (Castletown-Geoghegan): The sudden passing of former Castletown-Geoghegan, Westmeath and Leinster hurling star Pat Jackson last March has left a huge void in Westmeath GAA. Aged 68, Pat was a revered figure in Westmeath hurling circles and enjoyed an illustrious career which spanned over a quarter of a century. Regarded as one of the finest defenders ever to have represented club or county, his finest moment in a Westmeath jersey was the 1964 National League triumph over Laois, which was played before a crowd of 70,000 at Croke Park. The victory was made all the sweeter by the fact that Westmeath recovered from an 11-point half-time deficit to win. He later recalled how they received a standing ovation afterwards. Pat made his senior debut for Westmeath against Meath at Trim in 1958 and was proud of the fact that the Lake County were always able to hold their own against the likes of Kilkenny, Wexford and Offaly during his playing career. He won two All-Ireland 'B' medals and was on the Westmeath minor team that lost the 1956 Leinster minor final to Kilkenny by a solitary point. Pat, whose nephew Robbie is a current member of the Westmeath senior hurling squad, represented Leinster in the Railway Cup in 1964 and '66. Another significant achievement was his nomination for an All-Star award in 1972. Pat was extremely proud to wear the black and amber of Castletown-Geoghegan and captained them to their 1964 senior championship success. He also won senior medals in 1956, '57, '58 and '60, and represented St. Gabriel's in London and New Ireland's in Dublin during his distinguished career. As well as being an accomplished player, Pat also served as chairman of Castletown-Geoghegan and was at the helm when Pairc Mhic Eochagain was officially opened by former RTE commentator, the late Mick Dunne, in 1977. In paying tribute to Pat, former county board chairman Seamus O Faolain said: "Pat was an outstanding clubman and it was fitting that he was chairman when Pairc Mhic Eochagain was officially opened in 1977. A Leinster player in his day, he loved his hurling, loved Westmeath and Castletown-Geoghegan and it was no real surprise that he was named at corner back on the Westmeath Topic Hurling Team of the Millennium. "His brothers hurled for Castletown-Geoghegan and Westmeath, while his sister, Maura Dalton, is a Scor champion. Indeed, the Jacksons are great Irish culture enthusiasts." Seamus Kenny (St. Mary's): A long-time member of the water services staff of Westmeath County Council, Seamus took a great interest in the GAA. Originally from Rochfortbridge, he kept goal for St. Mary's over a number of years and played in the 1967 senior championship final defeat to St. Finian's. After moving to Ballinea, he began following the fortunes of the local Shandonagh club who his sons now play for. Joe Dolan (Mullingar): Singing legend Joe Dolan never played GAA competitively, but he was a great Westmeath football supporter and, like all fans of the Lake County, rejoiced in the successes enjoyed by the county in recent years. A keen golfer, Joe lined out for the famous Jimmy Magee All-Stars football team in the late 1970s. The team consisted of a wide range of personalities from the showbiz world who toured the country raising money for charity. Jimmy Magee recalled: "Joe was on the very first team. However, when great footballers are talked about there won't be a mention of him, but he put on the jersey and the nicks and the socks and he pretended like the rest of us." Br Frank McGovern (Athlone): A member of the Marist order, Br Frank excelled in both the colours of Athlone and Sligo in the 1940s and 50s. He possessed blistering pace and his frequent 60 or 70 yards dash with the ball on his toe left many an opposing back line in a state of bewilderment. Br Frank won Westmeath senior football championship medals with Athlone in 1947 and '49. He later went on to win championship medals in Sligo and to star on the county football team for many years. The Marist Brothers have played a pivotal role in the promotion and development of the GAA in Athlone down the years and Br Frank figured prominently in this regard. His name will always be synonymous with Gaelic games, culture and heritage in the annals of Athlone GAA. Michael Healy (Collinstown): The death of former Lough Lene Gaels and Westmeath hurler Michael Healy following an illness on December 22 caused widespread shock and sadness in North Westmeath. Michael represented his club and county in all grades of hurling. He was one of Lough Lene Gaels' star players in the early years of the club's existence and was part of the teams that won senior championships in 1975 and '76. After winning an All-Ireland minor 'B' championship medal in 1971, he went on to represent the county with distinction at senior level and was full back on the team that played reigning All-Ireland champions Kilkenny in the 1976 Leinster championship semi-final. Sharon Connolly (Tang): There was great sadness and deep regret in South Westmeath at the passing of Sharon Connolly (nee Gill) following a short illness in February 2008. Sharon was deeply involved with Tang and was a former club secretary. Her brother Damien has been a great servant to the club over many years as both a player and officer. Fr Sean Oxley (Killucan and Raharney): Killucan and Raharney Gaels were saddened to learn of the death of Fr Sean Oxley in August. Fr Sean played football for both clubs in his younger days. A native of Thomastown, Killucan, Fr Sean entered the priesthood in 1960 and was ordained six years later. He served as curate in Loughrea, Co. Galway before illness forced him to vacate his post in January 2005. Speaking at his month's mind Mass held in Loughrea Catheral last August, Fr Cathal Geraghty said: "Fr Sean was a great GAA man. Having played hurling and football in his youth, he retained a passionate interest in our national games. He was, of course, a very keen follower of his native Westmeath and his home clubs of Killucan and Raharney." Bernie Fox (Moate): Moate football legend Bernard 'Bernie' Fox passed away in his adopted home of Long Island, New York on December 19. Bernie was ever present on the Moate teams that played in the senior championship finals of 1936, '37, '39, '43 and '45, and had the distinction of being the only player to line out in the same position - left corner back - on all five occasions. Bernie played alongside his brother Paddy and, in late years, his younger brother Rob. By all accounts, all three were no nonsense defenders who wore the white jersey with passion and heart. Bernie played his last game for Moate against arch rivals Rosemount on June 13 1948. Club records show that he was presented with a £5 note on the occasion of his departure later that year to the US where he remained until the time of his death. With Bernie's passing, the last remaining link with Moate's 1936 senior championship winning team was severed. The Fox family has been synonymous with the success of the All-Whites club since its formation, and this continues to the present day. John Glennon (Loughnavalley): John, who passed away suddenly in June, was a great Loughnavalley GAA supporter and took part in the club's veterans' charity football match last St. Patrick's Day. Matt Molloy (Ballymore): Aged 71, Matt was deeply involved with Ballymore GAA all his life. He served the club in a variety of roles, including chairman for many years. Earlier, he had represented the club as a player and referee, and also held down the positions of selector and groundsman. His son Derek 'Ching' Molloy has been one of Ballymore's leading footballers over the past number of years. Brian 'Bernie' Gurren (Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall): The Gaels of North Westmeath mourned the passing of Brian before Christmas. He was one of the last surviving members of the Castletown-Finea team of the 1940s, when he played alongside his brothers. A former president of the club, he lived for many years in England. His grandson Michael has represented Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall in recent times. Margaret Rock (Ballymahon): Margaret, from Shrule, Ballymahon, was the mother of Coralstown/Kinnegad club secretary Jim Rock. A former Tang and Ballymahon player, Jim is one of Coralstown/Kinnegad's most dedicated members and has played a key role in the club's development, both on and off the field, in recent years. Wally O'Brien (The Downs): Wally's sudden death, just two days before his 66th birthday on November 26, caused widespread shock in The Downs, where he was resident for many years, and in Ballinagore and Kilbeggan where he was the local postman until 2006. In his younger years, the Dublin native played soccer and pitch and putt, and was a lifeline long supporter of the Dublin football team. He also supported Westmeath and described himself as an adoptive fan of the Lake County. Michael Fox (Kinnegad and Rochfortbridge): Former Gibbonstown and St. Mary's footballer Michael passed away on June 19, aged 88. A native of Gibbonstown, Rochfortbridge, he lived in Griffinstown, Kinnegad where he farmed for many years. During his football career, Michael won junior and intermediate championships with Gibbonstown in 1942 and '43, and the senior championship with St. Mary's in 1950. Kathleen Leech (Killucan): Kathleen was mother to current Killucan senior football selector Jimmy Leech and grandmother to senior player Christopher Leech. Sean T Farrell (Edenderry and Tullamore): Sean was a well-known insurance broker and estate agent based in Edenderry and his passing at his home in Mucklagh, Tullamore on November 30 came as a great shock to many. For 30 years, he provided a friendly and efficient service to thousands of clients. He had an abiding interest, indeed a passion for Gaelic games. For decades, he followed the Offaly, Westmeath and Meath football and hurling teams. He was a regular with his son Kieran at training sessions in the three counties, and spent many a Sunday in venues likes Croke Park, Cusack Park, O'Connor Park and Pairc Tailteann. His joy at the Offaly hurling and football successes in the 1970s and 1980s was unbounded, while the football successes of Westmeath and Meath also brought immense enjoyment to both himself and Kieran. Pauline Hanevy (Mullingar): Pauline, who died unexpectedly at her residence in Mullingar in October, was a sister of St. Loman's, Westmeath and Leinster GAA stalwart Paddy Flanagan. One of the county's greatest ever footballers, Paddy enjoyed a distinguished career with St. Loman's and Westmeath which spanned almost four decades. He served as Westmeath county board PRO for 30 years and was involved in a variety of roles with the Leinster Council from 1964 until his retirement in 2004. Darren McCabe (Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall): Darren, whose death took place in May, was a brother of Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall footballer Niall McCabe. Margaret Boyce (Ballynacargy): Margaret, who died in a tragic drowning accident in the River Inny, was mother to Ballynacargy footballers James and Paul Boyce. Jim Carey (Turin): Jim, from Clonlost, was a former Turin and Westmeath hurler. He is regarded as one of the finest hurlers to have ever worn the red and white of Turin. When the club reformed in 1951, Jim was prominent at half back. He was a member of Turin's 1957 junior championship winning team and would also have played in the 1965 junior championship success but for a back injury. After retiring from playing in the early 1970s, Jim served as chairman and team selector for many years. Larry Carey (Turin): Larry passed away in the same week as his older brother Jim earlier this year. Like Jim, Larry represented his club and county with distinction over a long number of years. He played minor hurling for Westmeath for three years and was half forward on the first Turin team to win a junior hurling championship in 1957. He was also a member of the successful 1965 and '75 teams. Unbelievably, at the age of 47, Larry won a fourth junior championship medal in 1985 when Turin beat Delvin in the final. Larry's finest hour in a Westmeath jersey came in 1963 when he scored a whoppin Tweet

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