Passing of a gentle giant
John Harrington’s sudden death stuns sporting world
THE WEXFORD sporting world was plunged into deep mourning on Saturday when news spread of the sudden death of former county football star John Harrington following a heart attack in the early hours of the morning.
An outstanding servant of the purple and gold, and an inspiration to his club colleagues with Sarsfields and Faythe Harriers, the popular postman was 51 years old at the time of his sad passing.
He was pre-deceased in July of 2007 by his late wife, Tina, who died from cancer at the age of 44.
Big Harry, as he was affectionately known by a wide circle of team-mates, club colleagues and friends, was a towering figure on the field of play and a gentle giant outside the white lines.
He was reared in the traditional Sarsfields stronghold of Carrigeen Street in Wexford town, and he was immersed in the club’s proud history from a very early age.
A footballer respected all over Ireland for his sportsmanship and athleticism, he gave distinguished service to the county from his debut for the Under-14 team in 1980 all the way through to 1999 when he played the last of his 112 Senior games for Wexford in the Leinster championship against Longford.
He was a leading light in 1985 when Dublin were defeated in the Minor grade - a rare occurrence in local G.A.A. circles - and he was in the midfield engine room with the county Under-21 team three years later when they only lost to Offaly after an incredible four games in a memorable Leinster championship final saga in Carlow.
John had made his Senior debut in November of 1987 in a National League game against Limerick in Askeaton, and he was a virtual fixture at midfield for the next twelve years although he also enjoyed occasional stints in the number 14 jersey and right across the half-forward line.
He ended with a scoring tally of 7-41 for the county, including a haul of 2-1 against reigning All-Ireland champions Meath in a National League game in Wexford Park in late 1989.
His younger brother, Paul, was often John’s midfield partner with the county in an era when the club also supplied his great friends Billy Dodd and Ger Halligan to the team.
He was idolised by his Sarsfields colleagues, and had taken on the role of Chairman of their Coiste na nOg section at the A.G.M. in December.
He was a mentor with a very promising young club team which represented Wexford at the All-Ireland Féile Peil na nOg in Cavan in 2017, and they were blossoming under his shrewd guidance.
John just missed out on the last Sarsfields Senior championship success in 1984 by virtue of being too young, but he gave his all for the cause in the unsuccessful final appearances of 1987, 1993 and 2004.
Indeed, he played so well in the replayed final of 1993 that he was chosen as man of the match despite the defeat to Kilanerin.
While a Senior football title eluded him, his admirable leadership qualities shone through in 2001 when he captained Faythe Harriers to their first Senior hurling triumph for 20 years on an emotional day in Wexford Park.
A special individual who left a mammoth impression both on and off the field, John is survived by his daughters, Emma and Ciara, his parents, Dan and Patricia, his brothers, Martin, Paul and Noel, his partner, Sandra, and her children, Niall, Kate and Leanne.
His Requiem Mass will take place today (Tuesday) at 12 noon in the Church of the Assumption, Bride Street, Wexford, followed by burial in St. Ibar’s Cemetery, Crosstown.