Shannonbridge GAA pays tribute to the late Frank Guinan

* This appreciation of the life of the late Frank Guinan, which was written by Eamonn Mahon, was supplied on behalf of Shannonbridge GAA club.

It is with great sadness that Shannonbridge GAA Club and all the surrounding area learned of the passing of one of the most well-known and respected men in the club.

Frank Guinan passed away very suddenly around midday on Friday, August 9, at his home in Raghrabeg, just across the river from Shannonbridge. Frank was born and grew up in a farming family and worked in Bord na Móna.

He followed Shannonbridge GAA Club from its inception in 1973. He got involved at the early stages, working on the committee.

He soon became a vice chairman and retained that position for many years until eventually becoming club president, a position he held until his sad passing.

His contribution as a committee member was so immense that the club became ever-dependent on Frank for the upkeep of the pitch, dressing rooms, car parking and pitch marking. He took all these missions as his own and was often to be seen on his own mowing the pitch.

Frank was a selector with too many teams to mention from under 12 to senior and all the age groups in between with no small amount of success, helping with winning teams in all age groups.

He was heavily involved with the famous 1996 senior team's championship success and the 1998 senior league win.

His value to the teams is the esteem in which he was held by all the players and team managers and mentors who encountered him through his involvement with them.

His proudest moment came in 1996 when he helped bring the Dowling Cup back to his home town, and went on tour to Aughrim in the Leinster championship.

But all the previous efforts pale into oblivion compared to his dedication to the club’s lottery. He will always be remembered and revered as the man who applied himself so diligently to selling the club's lottery tickets every week since 1988.

It has been estimated that he sold in excess of half a million euro worth of tickets. He was an ever present at the weekly lottery drawn, be it in Shannonbridge or Doon. No one ever refused to buy a ticket from Frank and he was always very quiet about his sales.

Frank will be sadly missed by his loving wife Dora who was to be seen with him at a lot of matches and club events near and far, and most people would be of the opinion that Dora got as much enjoyment as Frank.

We hope that Dora will continue to be involved in club events in the future as she a much-admired lady in the club and parish.

Frank will also be greatly missed by his sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, a large circle of friends and neighbours. But most of all I think it is fair to say that he will forever remain in the hearts and memories of all those who were lucky enough to cross his path in this journey.

Rest in peace, dear friend, until we meet again.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.