Oliver lined out for Denn and his brother, Bro. Oliver, is current vicepresident. Denn GFC respectfully formed a guard of honour at the removal. Kathleen Flood (Cavan) A native of Newry, County Down, Kathleen Flood of Billis, Cavan passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 15th, 2012. Very much a part of the local community – including GAA activities - Kathleen herself played camogie, badminton and tennis, while her sons Colm and Declan both lined out for Drumalee GFC. Brian Boylan (Ballyhaise) A respected member of the community, Brian Boylan of Coratubber acted as secretary of Ballyhaise GFC between 1964 and ’68, before emigrating to New York. He was also a gifted actor. Members of Sinn Fein and Ballyhaise GFC formed a guard of honour. Brian was a brother of Tom Boylan, who has served as Treasurer of the Cavan County Board for many years. Jimmy Smyth (Cootehill) A native of Aghabog in Monaghan, Jimmy Smyth from 24 Church Street passed away at Cavan General Hospital on December 19th, 2011. Jimmy was a well-known figure in town and in the GAA club in particular, calling bingo at Cootehill GFC for 27 years. Tom Smith (Mullahoran) Tom Smith, Legwee, was a member of one of the parish’s most-respected families. He was a massive supporter of the local GAA club, winning a league medal with Mullahoran in 1954. He maintained an avid interest in the GAA throughout his life and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the rules and of results and records at local and national levels. Joseph Parker (Shercock) Joe Parker, Carrickacreeney, was a deeply intelligent and popular man who suffered a massive setback in 1995 when an injury sustained in a rugby match cost him the use of his arms and legs. He never let that devastating blow get him down and went on to lead an inspirational life before passing away at the age of 43. Guards of honour were provided by Virginia Rugby Club, Shercock GFC and St Patrick’s NS. Garry Morgan (Virginia) Garry came from a staunch Ramor United family and, even though he didn’t play gaelic football, his death came as a massive blow to the local GAA community. His brother Killian is a stalwart of the Ramor United club.
Seamus ‘Seamie’ Kelly (Redhills) The untimely death of Seamie Kelly on December 17th, 2011 caused widespread sadness in Redhills Village and beyond. Seamie had a great love of outdoor sports, particularly hunting and fishing. The guard of honour was formed by members of Redhills GFC, Redhills Gun Club, St Brigid’s NS, St Patrick’s College and Breffni College. Jean Smith (Kingscourt) Sadly, Jean Smith (nee Sheridan) of Drumcrin, Kingscourt passed away on Wednesday, December 28th, 2011. A native of Bailieboro who was an excellent artist, Jean loved to attend GAA matches and was an avid supporter of both Kingscourt Stars and Cavan. Breege Foynes (Butlersbridge) The late Breege Foynes played a key role in the history of the local GAA club when she helped design the current Butlersbridge GFC crest. She liked to keep up to speed with how the ‘Bridge were getting on, especially when her nephews Micheal, Darren and Martin Fitzpatrick were playing. Members of Butlersbridge GFC helped form a guard of honour at the removal, alongside former work colleagues from Crompton Greaves. Patrick O’Reilly (Kilnaleck) The passing of 96-year-old Patrick O’Reilly of Church Road severed a link with a bygone era. As a young man, Patrick had joined the Bruskey Grattans club, going on to serve them as secretary. He was also actively involved in the formation of the Aughaloora club, whom he represented until emigrating to England in search of employment. Paddy Bird (Bailieboro) The entire Cavan GAA community was left devastated by the tragic death of former Bailieboro and Cavan footballer Paddy Bird in a work accident in Darwin, Australia, in December 2011. The 24-year-old refrigeration and air conditioning engineer had been working in Australia for just over three months when the tragic accident occurred. Paddy was an exceptional football with Bailieboro Shamrocks. During his short career, he won two junior titles, a county U16 Division Two championship and a Division Three league. With Cavan, he collected a Hastings Cup medal and lined out in two Leinster junior finals. Paddy also represented his county at U21 level. He was always a prodigious talent, playing U14 football at aged ten and breaking into the Shamrocks first team at 17. Paddy had emigrated shortly after the first team’s exit from the championship
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and the club had hoped that the exceptionally-talented clubman would one day return to don the Shamrocks jersey again, as he had done with such obvious pride. A masterful free-taker blessed with tremendous speed, balance and high-fielding ability, Paddy Bird was a joy to behold during his alltoo-brief days of lining out with distinction at St Anne’s Park and on pitches across the county and beyond. Margaret ‘Maggie’ Smith (Redhills) Maggie Smith (nee McManus) of Shannow Wood and formerly of Redhills Village passed away on Sunday, November 29th, 2011, aged 95. Originally from Belturbet, Maggie was very fond of sport in her youth and was so accomplished at camogie that she represented the county. She went on to become a proud supporter of Redhills GFC, particularly when her own sons were playing. Maggie was especially proud when her sons Dessie and Brendan starred on the 1973 championship-winning team and she was an honorary life member of the club when the IFC was welcomed home in 2008. She also served on the ladies club committee. At Margaret’s removal, Redhills GFC respectfully contributed to the guard of honour. George Curran (Gowna) The passing of George Curran, Lough Gowna, on October 3rd, 2011, caused widespread sadness. A keen athlete in his youth, George played for Gowna and remained interested in the club’s activities long after hanging up his boots. Members of Loch Gamhna GAA contributed to the guard of honour at George’s removal. Sean Brady (Redhills) Sean Brady of Aghadreenagh passed away on Monday, November 7th, 2011, at the age of just 17. Well-known and very popular in the community, Sean was a member of Redhills GFC, the local Gun Club and Redhills Foroige. As a gifted defender with the GAA club, he played a leading role right up through the juvenile ranks. He was so popular that members of Butlersbridge GFC and Redhills GFC assisted as stewards at Sean’s removal, while the local club also contributed to the guard of honour, along with members of St Brigid’s NS, Breffni College, Loreto College, Redhills Gun Club and Redhills Foroige. Martina Cusack (Kilnaleck) The entire community was plunged into deep shock and sorrow by the passing of Martina Cusack of Church Road, who was one of the parish’s mostrespected citizens. Martina was synonymous with all the organisations