Emo GAA have paid a loving tribute to their club president Eamon O’Connell, who was the last remaining founding member of their club.
Eamon passed away suddenly on Saturday, aged in his late 80s. He is survived by his wife Betty, daughters Caroline, Siobhan and Gemma and his son Eamonn, sons-in-law David, Pierce and Niall, his grandchildren Jack, Shae, Jordan, Lily, Scott, Leah, Milo, Finn and Oscar, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
“It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our President Eamon O’Connell on his passing,” said Emo GAA in a statement.
“It’s a dark day for everyone in the club as Eamon was the last remaining founder member of Emo GAA club.
“All in the Emo GAA community would like to pass on our sympathies to you at this heartbreaking time.
“Eamon played with Emo at all grades and was one of a few distinguished clubmen to win all adult championships.
“In 1962 he was part of our Junior championship winning side, just two years later he was also part of our 1964 intermediate championship winning team. A few years later Eamon was part of our finest hour in winning the 1972 Senior football championship.
“During his career Eamon would have lived and worked in England but this never deterred him from lining out with his beloved Emo where he along with other clubmen would have frequented airports to answer his club’s calling in coming home to play.
“As with all great clubmen Eamon was no different in supporting the club in any way he could once his playing days were over. He was a regular on the committees and was always on hand to help out when needed.
“In later years Emo would have the pleasure of making Eamon our President for the past number of years where he was held in such high regard by everyone.
“He will be fondly remembered by us all and as they say ‘They don’t make them like that anymore’. Ar dheis Dè go raibh a anam dìlis.”
Eamon is reposing in his home (R32 VR6W) on Tuesday from 4pm. Recital of the Rosary at 7.45pm
Removal on Wednesday morning at 10.20am to St. Paul’s Church Emo arriving for 11am Requiem Mass. Burial afterwards in the new cemetery.
House private on Wednesday morning. Family Flowers Only.
