There is sadness in Clonaslee this week following the passing of one of their most loved Gaels – Eugene Young.
Eugene passed away following a long illness on Saturday, September 16.
He is survived by his wife Bridget, son James and daughters Claire and Edel.
Eugene was a proud Clonaslee-St Manman’s player and supporter with the club paying a special tribute to him on social media.
They said: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Eugene Young following a long illness which he bore with great courage and dignity.
“We are all feeling a great sense of loss with Eugene’s passing as he was truly a Clonaslee St. Manman’s legend and a larger than life character who lit up every occasion with his great sense of humour and his brilliant character.
“The word legend is often bandied about for people but Eugene deserves this accolade more than anyone. He had an unbelievable love for the game of hurling and played at every level for our club leading the scoring exploits on most occasions.
“He had a sweet strike and even in his latter years when carrying knee injuries, and wearing the famous blue knee brace his striking was still as sweet as a nut.
“He had an unbelievable will to win and his pride and love of our club will be hard to match in years to come. Many’s the game Eugene collected lads for at 2.30pm for a 7.30pm throw in as a team meeting had to be held in Eddie Kirwans before the games!!
“He would then go out and lead the scoring after a good warm up!
“Eugene didn’t stop when he retired from the playing field but continued to train underage teams and was the first coach many of us had at juvenile level.
“He was quick to encourage but as honest as the day is long too if you were doing something wrong he would let you know. He instilled in to many of us the drive and passion that are required if we wanted to be successful.
“He continued to stay involved by also becoming involved in the administrative side of our club. One role which he was particularly suited to was that of registrar, because if Eugene couldn’t get money out of you, no one could!
“It is fair to say that anyone who ever spent a night in Eugene’s company would remember it to this day.
“He was some character and we all have our own favourite story to tell of our time spent with him. He had a great wit and his sense of humour was unbelievable, he always had a joke or a song or was ready for a jive when the music started.
“Eugene was a loyal family man and would support them to the last. He adored his wife Brigid and his children and grandchildren.
“He would follow James the length and breadth of the country when he played with Laois and continued this support with all his grandchildren whom he would be seen out supporting in anything they did.
“His role as a family man was there for all to see and he will be a tremendous loss for them all.
“Eugene joins some great gaels that have gone before him and we are sure that he has them all laughing already as he regales them with stories of his scoring exploits and how they probably should have passed it to him more.
“Everyone in Clonaslee St. Manmans would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Eugene’s family, his wife Brigid, his children James, Claire and Edel, and their partners, his grandchildren and his brothers and sister and huge circle of friends.
“We hope that you can all find solace in this tough time and that Eugene’s popularity is something that can bring you happiness in this time of grief.
“Comhbhrón ó chroí ort as bás do chéile ionúin agus athair agus is trua linn do chás. Tá tú inár gcuid smaointe agus paidreacha. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”
Eugene’s Funeral Mass was on Tuesday in St. Manman’s Church, Clonaslee.
He was laid to rest afterwards in St. Manman’s Cemetery, Clonaslee. May Eugene Rest in Peace.
