An Armagh GAA club has paid tribute to one of its leading players, who was part of its “legendary” 1991 Junior Championship-winning sides.
Gerard ‘Joby’ Donnelly, from the Blackwatertown area – husband of Rosemary, beloved father to Laura and Louise, and devoted grandfather to Donnacha and Clodagh – passed away on Monday morning.
O’Neill’s GFC An Port Mór said they were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of their “loyal club man”.
“Joby was an integral part of the legendary 1991 team that won the Armagh Junior Championship and Division 3 All-County League,” a club statement read.
“Joby graced the field for An Port Mór in many a position, but in 1991, he was influential wearing the No. 9 jersey and played many a match alongside his late brother, Patrick ‘PD’ Donnelly.
“O’Neill’s was always close to Joby’s heart. He always kept abreast of how the club was progressing at all levels, on and off the field, and could often be seen taking his place on the bank to watch the senior and underage matches. That’s where he cast his eye over and supported his family members now donning the Amber and Black jersey, as well as supporting his daughters, sisters, and nieces who represented Naomh Mhuire Camogie Club.”
Joby was a big Liverpool FC supporter and would have been overjoyed with his team’s recent Premier League success.
But O’Neill’s GFC was a huge part of his life, “having been an influential player on the field and a person that every young lad joining the senior team admired and respected”.
The statement continued: “He was a captain and a natural leader on the field. He was also a manager and coach at all age groups, from underage to senior, as well as being a former committee member. As a club, we would like to express our thanks for all Joby did and the roles he carried out over the years as a clubman.
“Most of all, Joby Donnelly was a great family man, whom he loved so much. On behalf of everyone at O’Neill’s GFC, I extend our sincerest sympathy and condolences to his wife Rosemary; his daughters, Laura and Louise; their partners, David Curran and Eoin O’Callaghan; his two beloved grandchildren, Donnacha and Clodagh; and the entire Donnelly and Graham family circle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time.
“Gone but not forgotten. A gentleman and a true An Port Mór Gael. ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone.’ Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
A Naomh Mhuire Camogie Club statement – a club which plays a big part in the lives of his two daughters, Louise and Laura, as well as his sisters – said: “Joby was very much part of our club throughout his lifetime.
“His sisters Philomena, Anne, Brenda, Mairead, and Veronica all played – and there was no better man to support them than Joby.
“He owned the spot on the hill, and if you didn’t see him, you could most definitely hear him!
“When Laura and Louise came along, they were his pride and joy. He was so proud of them, and his voice was the loudest cheering them on.
“His many nieces all donned the Naomh Mhuire colours, and Joby was in his element. His support was not only vocal – he was a very generous sponsor to the club and was never shy about giving financial help for various tournaments and events.
“We were all delighted when he won the hamper in our recent fundraiser – no better man! Joby’s presence will be sorely missed.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Rosemary; Laura, Louise, Davy, and Eoin; his two grandchildren, Donnacha and Clodagh; his brother Martin; the late Pat; and his sisters Marie, Phil, Anne, Brenda, Mairead, and Veronica. And to the extended Donnelly and Graham family.
“May Joby rest in peace. Mary, Queen of the Gael, pray for the family at this time.”
