Tributes paid to a GAA man with ‘vision‘ who always ‘thought big’
The late Mr John Doherty, Ballinlough.
Tributes have been paid to a man synonymous with the GAA scene in West Roscommon.
John Doherty, Carrick, Ballinlough, passed away peacefully in the care of the wonderful and loving staff at Ave Maria Nursing Home, Tooreen on Tuesday, December 30th.
“It is with profound sorrow that the members of Michael Glavey’s GAA Club have learned of the passing of our president, John Doherty,” said the club.
“The club extends sincere condolences to John’s family, his wife, Pauleen; son, David, and daughter, Yvonne; his brothers and sisters and the extended family.
“John’s name will always be synonymous with Michael Glavey’s GAA Club. He was one of the founding members and has maintained a close bond with the club all his life. He was firstly a player from underage up to intermediate. He was a member of the intermediate team that won the championship in 1970,71 and 72.
“John also played hurling with Tooreen, along with his brother Gabriel, helping that famous East Mayo club to their first county championship title.
“John coached numerous underage teams. John’s pick-up was a familiar sight on the highways and byways from Mount Delvin to Crennaun Bridge gathering up young lads for matches and leaving them home again. Along with Gerry Fitzmaurice, John coached the 1981 Division One(Urban as it was then called) championship winning minor team, which was a major achievement for a relatively small rural club,” the club said in a statement.
He was chairman of the club for many years in the late seventies and early eighties.
“Meetings with him at the top table [or from the floor] were never renowned for their brevity, in fact you’d almost want to bring the lunchbox. However, things got done and major progress was made.
“John was the chief negotiator of the deal to purchase Sampey’s overlooking Lake O Flynn, from the Irish land Commission. This came to fruition in 1979 and thus began the development of the marvellous facilities which the club now enjoys.
“John was an invaluable member of the parks xommittee set up to undertake the development. John always thought big and his vision was to provide the very best facilities possible for the coming generations. His attitude always was “why not”. That spirit permeated through the committee and after six years of hard work and commitment The Peadar Earley Memorial Park was opened in 1986. John was an excellent fundraiser and his yellow Opel could be found anywhere, towing a trailer with a car on board, selling tickets at shopping centres, fairs, carnivals and anywhere there was a crowd. He gave freely of his time and energy in everything he undertook.
“To recall all of John’s achievements and involvement with the Michael Glavey’s GAA Club would take a book, but for now we will just say, Míle Buiochas, a Sheáin. Rest in Peace. Go n-éirí an Bóthar leat , John,” said the club.
Predeceased by his daughter, Annette, grandson, Joseph and parents ,Tony & Mary, he is deeply regretted by his loving wife, Pauleen; daughter, Yvonne, son, David; grandson, Thomas; son-in-law, Tom; daughter-in-law, Paula; brothers, Martin, Tony, Gabriel, and Michael; sisters, Anne an Mary; nephews, nieces, relatives and a wide circle of friends.
Reposing at Donnellan’s Funeral Home, Clare Street, Ballyhaunis on Friday evening from 5 o clock until 7 o clock. Funeral will arrive to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ballinlough on Saturday morning for Funeral Mass at 12 o clock with burial afterwards in the local cemetery.
