A sporting legend, dedicated husband, and farmer laid to rest

A Roscommon sporting legend, a dedicated husband, and farmer was laid to rest in Oran on Thursday afternoon.

Donamon man Harry Crowley passed away in a single vehicle accident on May 31st. His Funeral Mass on Thursday afternoon at St Patrick’s Church, Clooneycolgan was followed by burial in Oran Cemetery.

Predeceased by his parents, Jack and Maureen, Mr Crowley is sadly missed by his wife, Mairead, who sang a hymn during the Funeral Mass, and all of the extended Crowley family.

Chief celebrant Fr Victor Asmugana spoke of the qualities of the late Mr Crowley, highlighting his achievements on and off the pitch and his love of farming. Throughout the Mass, his dedication to his club, Oran, and county were praised.

Gifts brought to the alar included a sliotar and a GAA football, symbolising his first sporting love, his dedication to Oran Hurling Club and the county of Roscommon. A miniature sheep was also brought forward, highlighting his love for all his animals, with the congregation being told that checking them was one of the last things he did. A copy of the Farmer’s Journal was also presented, representing his involvement with the farming community, as was a picture of Harry with his beloved dog.

Mr Crowley was a proud Roscommon man, the congregation was told, and was proud to represent his club and county on the pitch. He was described as the ultimate dual player.

He was a member of the 1975 Roscommon minor football team that captured a first Connacht title in eight years following victory over Mayo.

Three years later, he won an All-Ireland U-21 football medal with Roscommon in a famous win against Kerry at Dr Hyde Park. Scoring two points in that final, he played at full-forward alongside Tony McManus and Aidan McHugh, who passed away in April.

As a hurler, Mr Crowley was involved in another famous win when Roscommon defeated Wexford in the Centenary Cup back in 1984. He also captained Oran to back-to-back SHC titles in 1989 and 1990.

As a dedicated clubman, he shared his time and talent to nurture the next generation of sport in Oran, and he was celebrated as a clubmate to all in the Oran family.

In 1985, he married the love of his life Mairead.

On behalf of the family, Catherine Hoare spoke of her connection with Harry and Mairead, both as neighbours and fellow club members.

Ms Hoare reflected on the type of man Mr Crowley was, saying how he was honest, direct and would not want much of a fuss.

When the devastating news of his sudden passing hit the area, there was a deep sense of sorrow among friends and family and especially in the GAA and the farming community, she said.

Throughout their marriage, Harry and Mairead faced health challenges together but they supported each other greatly.

One instance when Mairead sang at Mass, Catherine asked Harry if he was proud of how good of a singer she was. “Harry simply replied- he was fierce proud of her,” said Ms Hoare. “But this pride was mutual, as once someone asked Mairead if she was any association to the footballer in Donamon she would proudly say yes.” 

She highlighted his massive role in setting up camogie in Oran and  how he was known as someone who was “very loyal, faithful and a great man to have in your corner”.

“In recent years, he had just returned to full fitness. He was known for his inspiring team talks and had great ambitions for the season ahead. He would want people to keep on going,” Ms Hoare said.

His GAA family formed a guard of honour as he was brought to the church and to his final place of rest in Oran Cemetery.