The late Declan Power, Mitchelstown
The death occurred unexpectedly on Monday, January 30 at his residence, Clonmel Road, Mitchelstown, of Declan Power. The late Declan in his 53rd year was very well known locally and he had resided in Charleville for a number of years.
He was very well known in GAA circles. His father Liam Power played in goal for Cork senior footballers in the 1957 All-Ireland SFC final. He was later called to his eternal reward on July 5, 1998 while attending a Munster SFC final in Killarney.
Declan was a noted hurler and footballer with Ballygiblin and Mitchelstown. He won a number of titles while attending CBS Mitchelstown. In 1984, he was corner back on the Avondhu under 15 hurling side that lost to Imokilly in the Dick Barrett Shield semi-final. The following year he was again corner back on the Avondhu under 16 hurling side that were beaten by Mid Clare in the Munster semi-final. He was a member of the Ballygiblin Minor B HC side that won divisional honours in 1987 and followed with under 21 B HC success in 1988.
In 1993, Declan was full back and captain of the Junior B HC team that won county honours defeating Belgooly in the final 4-12 to 1-12. They competed at Junior A HC level and in 2004 they overcame the challenge of Kilworth in the North Cork JAHC final, with Declan leading by example as he captained from full back.
In 1987, Mitchelstown GAA celebrated their 100th anniversary. That year they took the Divisional MAFC title, with Declan at corner back. He captained Mitchelstown to North Cork JAFC success in Araglin when they bridged a 20-year barren run in 1995.
Declan continued to play hurling and football up to his mid 40s. While living in Charleville he trained under 8, 10 and 12 teams in hurling. Just a few weeks ago he attended Ballygiblin's All-Ireland Junior success in Croke Park.
His popularity was borne out in the large and representative attendance that were present for his funeral in the Chapel of Rest, Baldwin St, Mitchelstown on Thursday night, February 2nd. There was a huge guard of honour of players, past and present, as the cortege made its way to the Church of Mary Conceived without Sin in Mitchelstown on Friday for Requiem Mass. Private cremation took place at the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy. To his daughter Ellen, son Mark, their mother Sarah, his partner Mary, uncle John, aunt Peggy McGrath, nephew Rory, niece Ciara, brother-in-law, relatives, neighbours and many friends, we tender our sincere sympathy.