The last couple of weeks have seen a dark cloud hang over the village and community of Shanballymore with the sad and untimely passing of one of our best known and loved club man Ownie Whelan. Ownie was at the heart of our GAA club both on and off the field over the years and as far back as his playing days. He was also involved in the juvenile and adult clubs up through the years.

The large crowds that turned out for the removal on the Sunday night and the funeral mass last Monday week were testimony to how popular Ownie was both near and far, his funeral mass was proceeded by a large guard of honour up through the village and also saw his many friends from Shanballymore GAA club and work colleagues from Country Clean Recycling carry his coffin up through the village he loved to the church for his funeral mass.

On behalf of Shanballymore GAA club our club chairman Richard Burke addressed the large crowd of mourners both inside and outside the church and spoke about how much loved Ownie was by all his friends in the GAA club and wider community. Richard spoke about his commitment to Shanballymore GAA down through the years and said that no matter where we were playing games Ownie would be there supporting us and cheering on his beloved black and red.

He was one of our most loyal supporters down through the years and was delighted after our recent county final win in Pairc Ui Rinn back in July, afterwards Ownie was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery, he will be deeply missed by all involved in Shanballymore GAA club and the whole community, our deepest condolences are extended to his wife Catherine and daughter Paula and his brother Kevin along with his extended family and friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.