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SEAN Begley, who died peacefully on 19 January, 2017, was a member of a highly-respected family with long and proud ties to the Quay area of Dundalk.

He had a particular affinity with the local Sean O’Mahony’s GFC, and a life-long love of GAA.

It was the proudest moment in his life last October when the O’Mahony’s won the Louth senior football championship for the first time, and the Joe Ward Cup was taken to Dealgan House nursing home for Sean to see.

A former player, team manager, and one of the first chairmen of the club, he guided the greenand-golds to intermediate and junior championship success during his time in management.

For years, he headed off to Croke Park every Sunday during the season to watch a match. It was a routine that he went along with his late close friend, and another avid GAA enthusiast Mick Crawley.

The two of them became very well-known at GAA headquarters, and were treated at different times to hospitality at the stadium. For over three decades they never missed an All-Ireland final of any kind.

Sean was one of three brothers, all with an attachment to Sean O’Mahony’s, and was the eldest of four children of the late Tommy and Kitty (nee Roddy) Begley. They also had one daughter, Mary (Trixie) Cooke.

He was reared in Hyde Park, after being born in Seatown Place, opposite the Mercy Convent.

He went to work in his early teens in the town’s then thriving shoe industry, gaining employment in Halliday’s factory. He carried out the job of clicker, cutting the uppers for boots and shoes. He spent his entire working career in the trade until he retired.

Sean’s love of Gaelic games was matched by his passion for reading. His home was literally full of books, and reflected his great interest in football and politics.

He was a fine singer, and was a member of the Redemptorist church choir.

Having remained single, he was an independent and very quiet man. His wee dog was a big part of his life, and he would regularly be seen out walking along the Point Road.

He was predeceased by his parents, sister Mary (Trixie) and brother, Tom. His passing is very deeply regretted by his brother Pat, sister in-law Marie, grand-nephews and nieces, cousins, extended family, neighbours, friends and all members of Sean O’Mahony’s GFC.

After reposing at Dealgan House oratory chapel, Sean was taken to Saint Joseph’s Redemptorist Church. Requiem Mass was celebrated by Father Eamon Hoey CSsR, and was followed by burial in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery, Dundalk.

Members of Sean O’Mahony’s were very involved in Sean’s obsequies, the club providing a Guard of Honour from Hyde Park into the church, and then part of the way along his final journey after Mass. The chairman and other members, including Mick Crawley’s son, David, acted as pall bearers.

During the Mass, gifts symbolising Sean’s life, including the O’Mahony’s flag and jersey were laid before the altar, as well as a book.

The Readings were given by senior team captain, Shane Brennan and chairman, Eamon Doyle, while the Prayers of the Faithful were led by Ann-Marie Nolan, Patricia Begley and Noel Begley.

The Offertory Gifts were presented at the altar by May Black and Kathleen Sheehy.

Music was provided by the church choir.