Avondhu GAA mourn death of former chairman Derry Gowen

THE Avondhu Junior Board Convention scheduled for Shanballymore was postponed due to the death of Derry Gowen, Ros Mor, Rathealy Road, Fermoy.

Derry served the GAA at all levels over many years and was a long serving Chairman of the Avondhu Board from 1961 to 1987. In his first year as Divisional Chairman in 1961 the Division won their one and only County SFC title.

In 1966 he was a selector with the Avondhu Senior hurlers who were crowned county senior champions. He served as Avondhu selector in both grades for many years. In 1961 Cork won their first All Ireland Minor FC title and Derry Gowen was a Cork selector.

In 1973 when Cork Senior footballers won the All Ireland SFC title the late Derry was again a selector. Prior to being Chairman of the Avondhu Board he was a noted referee representing the Fermoy club.

He took charge of many games throughout the division and within the county over a very long time. He was secretary of the Fermoy club before taking on the task of being the first Avondhu Juvenile Secretary in 1953.

The late Derry was a founder member of Scór in Avondhu in 1969. In 2015 he received a Special Merit Award from the Munster GAA for his contribution to Culture and Scór.

The presentation was made at St Patricks Community Hospital, Fermoy by the Munster Council Chairman Robert Frost. Scór started in Avondhu, moved on to county and then became country wide.

The idea of Scór being a winter social activity organised by the GAA and founded by Derry Gowen, Fermoy was a milestone. However, though in theory it was organised by the GAA and run under the general rules of same, having its own organisation and steering committee in each parish, county and province.

The late Derry also served as Chairman of the Cork County Board for two periods 1972 and 1982-1984 covering Centenary Year when Cork won the All Ireland SHC. He was County Board Treasurer from 1964 to 1971 and was County Board PRO from 1985-1987.

He had a great knowledge of GAA rules and many club delegates from far and near sought his advice over the years. The reconvened convention will now take place on Thursday night, December 14 in Shanballymore at 8pm. There will be Mass for deceased members at 7.30pm.

The late Derry was predeceased by his wife Breda (Nee Harte). There was a large and represented attendance at the removal on Friday night from Ronayne’s Funeral Home to St Patricks Church and also at the Requiem Mass and burial to Kilcrumper Old Cemetery.

Frank Murphy, County Board Runai, delivered the graveside oration.

To his son Diarmuid, daughters Grainne, Orla, Sinead, grandchild Eoin, sister Sheila, daughter in law Mary, son in law Richard, sisters in law, brothers in law relatives, neighbours and friends we tender our sincere sympathy.

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