‘Kem’ Woods kicked ball 70ft into McCarthy’s swamp!

MR Thomas (Kem) Woods, 2 Boyle O’Reilly Tee., Drogheda, whose unexpected death occurred in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, was a wellknown and popular figure in local G.A.A. circles. Deceased, who was aged 61, was formerly of Newfoundwell, where he resided for the greater part of his life.

At the age of 17, the late Mr. Woods, started work with the G.N.R. and at the time of his demise was a ganger of the platelaying section on the line from Newfoundwell to Cement Ltd. Of a quiet and unassuming disposition, he was held in high esteem by his colleagues, and was admired for his efficiency and punctuaJity.

In his earlier days deceased was a noted Gaelic footballer and his career included a period with the Louth senior team. He also played with the old Rangers club, and was a keen supporter of Newtown Blues G.F.C

Predeceased by his wife, the late Mrs. Alice Woods, in 1920, he is survived by- his brothers, sisters and a big number of other relatives.

The funeral, which was largely attended, took place to St. Peter’s Cemetery where Rev. Fr. Floyd officiated at the graveside.

The passing of “Kem” Woods, a former well known Louth footballer, severs a link with Drogheda and South Louth Gaeldom of some 40 years ago and he is particularly regretted in the Newfoundwell locality of Drogheda where he had spent the greater part of his lifetime before going to reside at Boyle O’Reilly Terrace .

He would be best remembered through his association with the old Larks team and because of his founding of the Newtown Blues club many years ago and his teaching of the young boys how to play football properly in the field known as ‘Bobzis’ under the Newfoundwell railway bridge.

The youngsters’ special pleasure at that time was to induce “Kem” to kick the ball across the 70 foot bridge and into McCarthy’s swamp.