Tributes to Tyrone man who made a big contribution to the GAA

WARM tributes have been paid to well-known GAA coach and referee Frank McGlynn, originally from Aghyaran, who passed away on Thursday, May 8, aged 81.

Frank, who made his home in Derrynaseera, Camross, was a key figure in Laois GAA circles, coaching Camross to five league titles and a Laois Junior Football Championship win in 1980. He repeated that success as coach again in 2005.

Though Camross is better known as a hurling stronghold, Frank helped establish a football team in the area after moving there in the late 1970s. Under his guidance, the club lifted their first junior title in 1980, defeating Ballyfin.

Frank also had a distinguished career as a referee, officiating many high-profile matches in Laois up until 2009. He took charge of three county finals, including two Intermediate Football Championship deciders and a Junior ‘A’ final.

He is remembered not only for his sporting achievements but also for his warmth, energy and community involvement.

Frank worked for many years at Mountrath Credit Union and played an active role in several local associations. His love for sport was matched by a passion for travel – he and his wife Maud went on trips across the world, including in Kenya, the USA, Tenerife and the Caribbean.

Frank had spent time living and working in England during the 1960s and 70s, operating diggers on construction sites around the country.

It was in Oxford that he met Maud, whom he married there. He also played football for a local GAA club during his time in the city.

Together they returned to Ireland and raised three daughters – Nicola, Collette and Kerry – all of whom became nurses and continue to live close to the family home in Derrynaseera.

Speaking at his funeral Mass at St Fergal’s Church, Camross on Sunday, Frank’s eldest daughter Nicola described him as ‘a well-respected member of the community, always with a smile on his face, ready to chat, wearing his signature Tyrone GAA jersey’.

She added: “Frank first fell in love with football in Oxford, and it was one of his great passions in life. He had great connections with members of the GAA all over Ireland and loved following the Tyrone football team. He adored his family, was rarely stuck for words, and we will all miss him deeply.”

Frank was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery at St Fergal’s. He is survived by his wife Maud; daughters Nicola, Collette and Kerry; grandchildren Meagan, Níamh, Dervla, Maeve, Eli and Séamie; special niece Michelle; and siblings Mary, Ann, Kathleen, John, Margaret and Gerard, as well as extended family and friends in Tyrone and across Ireland.