Wicklow People

Kilbride ‘legend of GAA’ will be greatly missed Garda appeal after items found discarded in Arklow

WARM TRIBUTES PAID FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF SEAN DUFFY (79)

- By DEBORAH COLEMAN

A ‘LEGEND’ of West Wicklow GAA will be laid to rest today.

Seán Duffy from Oldcourt, Manor Kilbride was widely known throughout the district through his involvemen­t with the GAA in Kilbride and St Bridget’s.

Aged 79, Seán sadly passed away on Monday following a battle with Alzheimer’s and was previously a patient in Baltinglas­s Hospital.

According to Kilbride GAA club secretary Diarmuid Haughian, Seán’s status is well known to all who moved in local GAA circles, and the word ‘legend’ is entirely appropriat­e.

‘Seán was a Gael who will be dearly missed by all and fondly remembered. His dedication to his beloved Kilbride club, St Bridget’s, the GAA and the wider community held no bounds and his selfless dedication to the GAA will never be forgotten. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends and the wider GAA community,’ he said.

Upon his passing, memories were evoked of Seán’s famous Green Renault which carried young lads from Oldcourt, Kilbride and Blessingto­n throughout Wicklow and beyond - always with Status Quo’s greatest hits playing in the cassette deck.

Seán was dedicated to the Juveniles in Kilbride and Blessingto­n. His love for the associatio­n was infectious and it all started way back in the 50’s and 60’s with Kilbride.

Seán won two Senior Championsh­ips in 62 and 68, a Junior Championsh­ip in 58, including the Dunne Cup and countless tournament­s throughout his playing days.

He was heavily involved in administra­tion and moved into Juvenile coaching with St Bridget’s where he served as Manager for countless teams throughout the decades.

In 2007, Seán was a selector that won the Junior championsh­ip with Kilbride, with Seán’s Nephew Paul playing in midfield. Seán was also a great man for the horses and his beloved Aston Villa, but his true calling was that famous blue jersey of Kilbride and the GAA.

Funeral Mass for Seán will take place today, Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride followed by burial afterwards in Kilbride Cemetery.

He is survived and sadly missed by his brothers Liam and Shay, sisters-in-law Teresa and Eileen, nieces, nephews, good friends the Behan Family, extended family, relatives and friends. GARDAÍ in Arklow are appealing for the owner of property believed to have been stolen over the Christmas period to come forward and claim it.

A number of brass ornaments were located discarded near Brookview Gardens before New Year’s Eve and investigat­ing officers believe they were stolen from a property in the lower end of the town.

They appear to be a set which makes a farmyard scene as well as two candlestic­ks and figurines of fishermen.

A number of further break-ins were reported to have taken place in the southern part of Arklow over Christmas and New Year, with a particular emphasis on tools and electrical equipment.

In once instance, a wheelbarro­w of stolen goods was discarded and found by a member of the public while items were also reported stolen from a shed and a workshop.

The incidents took place in the Harbour Road, South Quay and South Green areas of the town.

Anyone with informatio­n is asked to contact the gardaí at 0402 32304.

 ??  ?? Aisling Byrne and Seán Byrne.
Aisling Byrne and Seán Byrne.
 ??  ?? Items found discarded in Arklow.
Items found discarded in Arklow.
 ??  ?? The late Seán Duffy.
The late Seán Duffy.

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