GAA club pays tribute to ‘esteemed member’

OMAGH St Enda’s has paid tribute to a late stalwart who devoted so much of his life to his beloved club and community.

Peter Deveney, formerly of Thornville Park, died peacefully in Hillcrest care facility on Friday, April 19. He served Omagh St Enda’s with distinction for many decades.

His funeral was held this morning (Monday) at 10am in Sacred Heart Church.

A passionate advocate for Irish culture, language and history, Mr Deveney will also be fondly remembered by his former students at Loreto Grammar, where he taught Irish and Maths.

He was at the coalface of fundraising efforts for Omagh St Enda’s and held the position of registrar for almost two decades.

The club have released a glowing tribute to Mr Deveney, who ‘served the club in his own efficient manner’ for much of his life.

“During the late sixties and into the seventies the drive to raise funds for the GAA reached new heights with the introduction of a new nationwide type pools – ‘Ciste Gael’. Omagh had their fair share of national winners but after an appeal to put the ‘push on’ a young Omagh schoolmaster took the bull by the horns at St Enda’s.

“From Ciste Gael to Ciste Nua, Peter Deveney, son of club stalwart Dan, drove the fundraising for the GAA’s draw. He kept meticulous records of the payments and ensured any member that wasn’t up to date soon was, with a gentle reminder in his soft spoken manner.

“A fluent Irish speaker, Peter taught generations of young ladies our national tongue at the Loreto Convent Omagh, again his eloquent style enthused even the most reluctant student. Described as a ‘most memorable teacher’ he also led regular educational trips.

“A regular at the old and later new clubrooms, Peter was also the club’s registrar for almost two decades, a familiar face on convention day collecting the £1 GAA registration fee, to ensure your vote. Peter also tried his best to ensure ‘cúpla focal’ for the members too as he led many an Irish class.

“Peter, in his own efficient manner, served Omagh St Enda’s and the GAA for much of his life. A friend to anyone he met, he enjoyed his many trips throughout Ireland – to places of history and culture.

“He enjoyed a wee pint of Guinness, a sing-song and a good story but above all he was a gentleman, a gentle soul and a man that carried his families’ tradition in the club and association with ease and unassuming pride.”