Death of Meath camogie figure, Mary Gannon of Killyon

As Meath camogie prepares for its Croke Park final date on Sunday, the community is also mourning the passing of one of its stars of a famous 1965 junior championship win.

Mary Gannon (nee Carney) was a member of the team that won the Leinster title that year.

She died at the Regional Hospital Mullingar on Tuesday.

Mary, of Hill of Down, Clonard, was current club president of Killyon Camogie Club, of which she was a founding member in 1975.

Before that she played for Boardsmill and Ballivor.

Mary was also the first lady in Meath to umpire a hurling and football match with her husband Joe was also refereeing. She had been know to be challenged for decisions she made, but she always came out on top.

Mary was secretary of the Killyon Club club until 1985 but continued to support the club and was always a number one supporter to her children and grandchildren. She was very proud of her granddaughter Amy who plays camogie with Killyon.

Mary was a real legend in the club and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved her, Killyon Camogie Club stated.

Meath Camogie described her as one of the great players, supporters and promoters of camogie in Meath .

Predeceased by her parents, Jack and Annie, she is survived by her husband Joe; family, Pat, Anne, Siobhan and Mark, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, 11 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, brothers Potch, JJ and Oliver, sister Betty, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and all her good friends.

She is reposing at her home on Friday 4th August, from 2pm until 8pm with rosary at 6pm. Removal on Saturday morning 5th August, to arrive at St Finian's Church, Clonard, for 12 noon funeral Mass. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Donations if desired, to the Irish Heart Foundation, donation box in the house and in the church. House private at all other times please.