Several South Armagh GAA clubs have paid tribute to a “fervent Gael” and deeply respected club member, former player and underage coach.
Clubman and father-of-three, Seamus O’Hare sadly passed away at home in Camlough on January 14, surrounded by his loving family.
He was known for his involvement with several local clubs over the years, holding various positions during his time. Most notably, Seamus left a lasting impression wherever he went and maintained his friendships with all those he encountered.
Paying tribute to Seamus as a valued and much loved member of their GAA family, Shane O’Neill’s GFC laid out his impressive history with the club in a statement online, which read: “During his playing days with the Shane’s Seamus was known as a no nonsense competitor who gave his all every time he stepped on the pitch.
“He carried this same attitude and commitment over to his coaching, always encouraging the best from his players.
“This approach saw one of his teams win a County Féile title a few years ago, a team which went on to contest an All-Ireland Féile final.
“Some of that group of players now form part of our senior men’s team and play with the same determination which Seamus helped instil in them.”
The club said nothing gave Seamus “greater pride” than to watch his three children, Caolan, Tiernan and Caoimhe, play for the Shane’s, adding that this is something they have all done with “great honour over the past number of years”.
To Seamus’ family, the club said: “To Seamus’s wife Fiona, his children Caolan, Tiernan and Caoimhe, and to his entire family circle, we offer our deepest condolences at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
As a mark of respect, Shane O’Neill’s have now cancelled all club activities including walking group, Couch to 5K and youth clubs until after Seamus’ funeral.
For a time, Seamus played with Lissummon GAA, who are equally devastated to learn of his loss.
The Lissummon GFC Committee described him as a “great steward of the club”, adding that one of his most memorable traits was his “unique approach to the warm-up”, whereby he always positioned himself “beside the radiator in the changing rooms and never one for training in the rain!”
They continued in fondness: “He was also noted as a fine man-marker, often tasked with shadowing the opposition’s star forward. A smart and intelligent player on the field, he was equally admired off it for being super friendly, genuinely down-to-earth, and a pleasure to be around.”
Adding to the sentiments, Carrickcruppen GAA shared their sincere condolences with the family: “It is with deep regret that all at Carrickcruppen GAA have learned of the passing of Seamus O’Hare, our near neighbour and son of our most esteemed former former player and team manager Terry and of the recently deceased Bridie RIP.
“Our Chairman, our Committee and all of our members and supporters offer their sincere condolences to Seamus’ wife Fiona, to his children Caolan, Tiernan and Caoimhe, to his father Terry, to his sisters and to his brother and to all of his wider family circle.
“Like his father and the other members of his family, Seamus was a fervent Gael. His untimely passing will be deeply felt, not only by his family, but also by his many friends and associates and all in the local community.”
Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 11am in St Malachy’s Church, Carrickcruppen with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Donations are being gratefully received in lieu of flowers to Marie Curie Nursing.
