The Blackwatertown community are mourning the loss of another of their GAA greats this week following the passing of Liam ‘Doo’ Conlon.
The Blackwatertown community is mourning the loss of another of its GAA greats this week, following the passing of Liam ‘Doo’ Conlon.
Liam – an esteemed member of O’Neill’s GFC An Port Mór – passed away suddenly on Saturday, June 28, in hospital.
Paying tribute to a constant supporter, O’Neill’s GFC said:
“An ever-present and popular figure around Páirc Uí Néill, Liam was more commonly and affectionately known to us all as ‘Doo’.
“Doo was always on hand to help out – whether a stage needed setting up, a hall prepared, the village decorated with flags and bunting, or many other projects and events around the club. He was always one of the first to volunteer and give up his time to help – along with his opinion on how things should or shouldn’t be done!
“Doo supported the club in whatever way he could and was one of the successful cyclists who participated in the 2022 APM 2 APM fundraising cycle to Westport, along with his sister Aislin and niece Emma.
“There is no doubting his loyalty to O’Neill’s – having been a player, underage coach, part of several senior backroom teams, and a former committee member. This year, Doo gave up his time once again to be part of the U14 management team.
“In his day, Doo could play a bit of ball – having played for the seniors, captained and featured on successful B teams, and earned a B Player of the Year award.
“As an avid Armagh fan, he followed the team the length and breadth of the country. No matter where the game was, you somehow bumped into Doo and got his very honest rundown of the team or how the game went. To say he was delighted when Armagh won the All-Ireland last year is an understatement!
Related: Armagh club’s tribute to member of its ‘legendary’ 1991 championship winning side
“For the second time this month, the club has lost a true An Port Mór Gael. Rest easy, our friend – you will be missed!
“On behalf of everyone at O’Neill’s GFC, I extend our sympathy and condolences to his father Jim; sisters Leonagh and Aislin; brothers Barry and Colm; his partner Martha O’Neill; his niece Emma Christie, her husband Caolan and their children, Daithí and Éabha.”
Referencing the loss of a second “true An Port Mór Gael”, the club was referring to Liam’s friend and former O’Neill’s GFC member Gerard ‘Joby’ Donnelly, who passed away just weeks ago on 9 June.
And when Armagh GAA lost their battle against Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter-finals on Sunday (June 29) at Croke Park, the community acknowledged the defeat with a sombre perspective – there were sadly more important things on their minds.
Sharing a photo of the two men together, a member of the community Facebook page An Port Mór and Benburb Times said:
“Two legends, two gentlemen, two An Port Mór and Armagh men missed by their families and everyone in the An Port Mór community.”
Another person added: “Hard luck Armagh – well beaten by Kerry. With what our village has been through recently, football results ain’t that important. Guys gone too soon.”
Another added simply: “An Port Mór will never be the same without this pair.”
