Death takes place of man who was at heart of Michael Glavey's Club

John Doherty, Carrick, Ballinlough, who died in the kind care of the staff at Ave Maria Nursing Home, Tooreen, was synonymous with Michael Glaveys Club over the decades. He was in his early 80s and commanded great regard and respect around the region.

John (pictured) committed himself wholeheartedly to so many community ventures and was a tireless volunteer for various causes. John was always glad to lend encouragement and advice along the way and many benefitted from his common sense approach along the way.

He also had many friends outside the GAA circle from his business ventures where he loved to meet and chat with customers. He had such a natural rapport with people and a great sense of humour that endeared him to so many.

The Michael Glaveys GAA Club has been to the fore in expressing condolences to the family and leading the tributes to John: “The Club is deeply saddened to hear of the death of our Vice-President, honorary member, and former trustee and chairman, John Doherty.

John was a wonderful club and community activist of long years. He was a fundraiser extraordinaire, a developer, manager, selector, team transporter, mentor, player and tireless GAA volunteer. He understood the importance of community and the contribution of the club to the Parishes it serves.

“He was a County Club Delegate and was well versed in the GAA rules and guidelines and shared his knowledge at every meeting and when it was required. His great commitment and dedication to the Club from its origins continued up to recent times as he was an ardent supporter and analyst to all teams and managements both for training and fixtures home and away.

“Thank you, John, from us all for your immense contribution to the club in addition to your friendship and solid counsel. Your legacy is there for future years and a great foundation for the current and future generations to continue to develop and enhance. Your presence and support will be greatly missed from the club you nurtured and loved. Enjoy your eternal rest. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.”

Sean and Eileen Brennan from Cloonfad said John was very much at the heart of the Glaveys Club: “John was a great stalwart for the Michael Glavey GAA Club for many years and was the driving force behind erecting the Complex. In ways he was like Fr Horan, if John got something in his head, money was not the obstacle as he believed it would turn up and he did not rest until the job was done.

“John and the late Fr Michael Flannery were the ‘taxis’ for all the footballers from Mountdelvin to Crenane Bridge and travelled the county with the teams. He also gave freely of his time to Kiltullagh Community Games.”

John O'Callaghan, Skerries, and formerly of Castlerea, recalled memories of John from over the years. “I remember John from the 60s with his red head, big in stature and heart. Every town and village would love to have a John Doherty. I had the pleasure of winning a junior hurling championship with Castlerea with John and Gabriel in 1968. He was a pleasure to meet for years afterwards.”

Large crowds were present for the funeral ceremonies on both days while the Glaveys Club formed a guard of honour in a poignant tribute to a legendary stalwart of the club.

Reposing was at Donnellan’s Funeral Home, Ballyhaunis, on Friday evening (January 2) and interment took place in Ballinlough cemetery following the funeral Mass on Saturday (January 3) in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ballinlough.

John, who was predeceased by his daughter Annette, grandson Joseph and parents Tony and Mary, will be sadly missed by his wife Pauline, daughter Yvonne, son David, grandson Thomas, son-in-law Tom, daughter-in-law Paula, brothers Martin, Tony, Gabriel, and Michael, sisters Anne and Mary, nephews, nieces, relatives and a wide circle of friends.