Manorhamilton player mourned
A former player with the Seán McDermott’s Manorhamilton team that won the 1958 Leitrim Junior championship has died.
Willie (Bill) Rourke (83), who was part of that winning side, died in the Craddock Nursing Home Naas, Co. Kildare on Saturday, November 14th.
Willie was a native Mount Temple, Co. Westmeath and was born in 1937. He came to Manorhamilton as a new Garda in September 1957. That year the Seán McDermott’s team was defeated in the Leitrim junior football final by Mohill.
Shortly after he came to Manorhamilton some of the Seán McDermott’s players noticed Willie Rourke kicking a football in the Bee Park and asked him would he be interested in playing with the club the following year, and Willie duly accepted the invitation.
When Willie togged out for Seán McDermott’s in the 1958 Leitrim Junior final, which was played in Ballinamore against Annaduff, he scored two goals for the North Leitrim men in their historic three six to one eight scoreline triumph.
Undoubtedly Willie’s goals played a big part in the McDermott’s famous victory that day and the bringing back to Manorhamilton of the first ever county football championship title.
Meantime in 1958 Willie’s work connection with Manorhamilton ended when he was transferred to Riverstown, Co Sligo.
He subsequently was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and served in Ardfinnan, Co. Tipperary for many years.
Afterwards he served in other Tipperary locations; Killenaule, Thurles and Clonmel, before retiring in 1993.
The 50th anniversary of the Seán McDermott’s 1958 Leitrim Junior championship win was celebrated in the Bee Park Community Centre in 2008 with a dinner and presentation to the players. Willie was unable to attend this function because his late wife, Josie was then ill.
Thurles Garda and Manorhamilton native, Rory Flynn presented Willie with his Seán McDermott’s 1958 golden jubilee win award in his Thurles home. Willie was delighted to receive the golden jubilee award.
Willie is predeceased by his beloved wife Josie and brothers Edward (Ned), Joe and Seamus. Sadly missed by his loving children Celine, Declan, Fergus, Colm and Áine, sisters Mary and Rosaleen, brother Jack, son and daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.