It was with great sadness that Ballinlough GFC learned of the sudden passing of one of our past Chairmen Cathal Flynn. 

His departure has left a huge vacuum and deprived the whole community of a great worker. Cathal, a native of Blacklion in County Cavan, started off life as a teacher before changing roles to inspector in the Dept of Education. But it was in his role as community activist that he really flourished. 

​He first served his time as player and usually in the full back line, and a memorable day when he was outstanding in beating the defending champions Kilbride in the senior competition in Pairc Tailteann in 1972. He served as Chairman of Ballinlough GFC in the ‘80s and it was under his time at the helm that Ballinlough won the Junior Championship in 1988. He carried out his work in the only way he knew by giving it 100%, in fact he always made himself available for anything that needed to be done.

​Cathal together with another past Chairman Paddy Jordan organised an annual Golf Classic and this very important event was invaluable to the club funds.
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Charity

In more recent years Cathal was the Chairman of Tom’s Walking Wish, a charity set up to help a local boy get the chance to walk. This was a major undertaking for a small area but under Cathal‘s stewardship the target figure was exceeded in a relatively short time and Tom Lynch is now well on his way to hopefully achieving his wish to one day walk. ​
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Community

Like every other person from Cavan that ‘migrated into Meath’ he was proud of his roots. He married Kathrine Reilly, a local with wide family connections, built a house and soon went about doing what he could to help out in the area.

He served on many boards and would never shy from responsibility. His determined personality meant that whatever he took on he would carry out.

​Since his retirement from the Dept he seemed to get busier and was regularly seen helping out in Crossakiel Tidy villages mowing grass and doing whatever needed to be done.

Farewell

The huge turnout to say farewell to Cathal was testament to the man and the lasting impression he left on everyone he came in contact with. From the lone Camouflaged gunman to the guards of honour on his final journey everyone wanted to say farewell in a way he would have loved and deserved.

To his wife Kathrine, daughters Deirdre and Caitriona and Son, former player Brian, and wider family we extend our deepest sympathies.
      
​Ballinlough GFC