Sadness over death of Maryland GAA stalwart

There is deep sadness in the Ardnagrath and Drumraney areas over the death of Maryland GAA stalwart Johnny Moran.

Johnny served Maryland GAA in several capacities over the years and he was the club secretary at the time of his sudden passing on Wednesday last.

A shrewd observer of the game, Johnny was a selector on Westmeath's All-Ireland minor football winning team of 1995.

Another proud moment for Johnny was when Maryland won the Westmeath intermediate football championship in 2008, after the club had gone close in many previous years.

Maryland GAA club has paid a heartfelt tribute to Johnny.

"We at Maryland GAA were deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our club secretary Johnny Moran.

"A stalwart of the club, Johnny served in a number of roles including selector, long time committee member, chairman and most recently as club secretary. Together with his family, he showed great generosity as the club's main sponsor for many years," the club posted online.

"Johnny gave countless hours to Maryland over the years and his dedication and support will be deeply missed by all within the club.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with his wife Mary, his son Damien, daughters Marie, Josie and Jackie, sister Maureen (Healy), Lee and Eoin and the extended Moran family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

"As a mark of respect for the passing of our club secretary Johnny Moran, Maryland will be holding a Guard of Honour at The Park this Saturday morning at 11:30am. Players past and present are welcome to attend adhering to social distancing guidelines. It would be appreciated if club gear or colours could be worn," the club added.

Known for his colourful turn of phrase, Johnny was a hugely popular figure in GAA circles and beyond.

In addition to football, Johnny also had a great passion for hurling and I recall him imparting the skills of the game to pupils of Kilcleagh NS in Castledaly.

Through his business, Moran's Coaches, Johnny was well known throughout the county for transporting Westmeath underage teams to training sessions and matches.

The company brought countless numbers of students to school over the years. Johnny also previously worked as a ‘roadie’ for some popular music acts and his company transported people to all sorts of events.

This writer was involved with a number of Westmeath underage teams some years ago and it was my task to organise the transport. In this regard, Johnny was always a pure gentleman to deal with, and his absolute priority at all times was that all players would arrive to and from their destination safely.

Johnny's son Damien has been an integral part of Moran's Coaches for many years and Johnny's wife, Castledaly native Mary (née Duffy), was also involved in the business.

The last time I met Johnny was at a Maryland match in September when he made it his business to offer his condolences to Westmeath sports journalist and referee Damien Maher over the sad death of his wife Claire. Little did we know then that John himself would pass away so soon.

Johnny Moran of Ardnagrath, Walderstown, Athlone, Co. Westmeath died peacefully on December 1st. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Mary (née Duffy) daughters Marie (Craven), Josie and Jackie (Henshaw), son Damien, sister Maureen (Healy), daughter-in-law Emer, sons-in-law Niall, Ger and Mark, grandchildren Lee, Ciara, Eoin, Cara, Ruairi, Sorcha, Orlaith, Sean, Daragh, Emily, Colm, Anna-Rose and Charlie, brothers-in-law Jimmy and Martin, cousins, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Reposing at Rooney's Funeral Home, Ballymore this evening Friday (December 3rd) from 5pm until 7.30pm. Requiem Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Drumraney tomorrow (Saturday) at 12 noon followed by burial afterwards in Drumraney Cemetery.

For those unable to attend or just wish to Livestream Johnny's the Funeral Mass will be streamed live via the parish website link below on Saturday - https://ballymoreanddrumraneyparishes.ie/

Johnny's family are very mindful of the risk of spreading Covid-19, and those attending the funeral are respectfully requested to observe social distancing, wear a face covering at all times and avoid shaking hands and hugging.

May Johnny rest in peace.