The local GAA community is in mourning this week following the untimely death of Eoin (Eoinie ) Farrell.
The Walderstown native died peacefully after a short illness surrounded by family members in the care of the South Westmeath Hospice on Sunday.
Eoin’s death, so soon after the passing of Garrycastle’s Enda Mulvihill, has shocked and united both GAA communities with whom they were integral members.
The adored husband of Eimear and son of Tom and Goretti, Eoin was a stellar figure in the Maryland GAA community where his contribution, both on and off the field pf play, was duly recognised this week.
Such was Eoin’s playing talent he was selected to represent Westmeath at both minor and Under 21 levels, winning a coveted provincial medal as custodian in 2000.
Maryland GAA paid a glowing tribute to Eoin upon his passing, noting his numerous attributes which positively impacted the club both on and off the field.
‘The untimely passing of Eoin Farrell has left Maryland GAA numb and deeply saddened. Eoinie, as many people referred to him, made a massive contribution to Maryland GAA, both as a player between 1998 and 2016, and as a volunteer.
Eoinie had a distinguished underage career, winning three Cumann na mBunscoil titles with Ardnagrath NS (including one alongside future wife Eimear ) and obtaining numerous underage successes with Maryland/Tang and Shannon Gaels. He was also part of the Marist College team who lost the Leinster Senior A football final in 1999 to Good Counsel New Ross.
He came to prominence at county level playing as a goalkeeper and was an integral part of the Westmeath minor football team who were crowned Leinster champions in 2000. A memorable 2-9 to 1-10 win over Dublin in the final saw Eoinie make a key save and also embark on a solo run out the field, long before the trends of today’s netminders were in vogue. He subsequently played in goals for Westmeath U-21s and in Sigerson Cup campaigns with Athlone IT from 2001 to 2006.
Eoinie kept goal for Maryland in the 1999 Intermediate final when Ballynacarrigy won out after a second replay. He transitioned to playing outfield and was centre back in another Intermediate final replay loss to Bunbrosna in 2006.Manning the number six jersey again in 2008, he was an important part of the team who finally won the Intermediate championship in 2008, defeating Ballynacarrigy by 1-11 to 1-10 after extra time in another replay.
His form resulted in him being called into the Westmeath Senior football panel and he saw action in the 2009 O’Byrne Cup. In a very successful era for the club, Eoinie was also part of successes in Celebrity Bainisteoir in 2008, the ACF League Division 2 and the All Ireland Intermediate 7s (both 2009 ). After emigrating between 2010 and 2013, Eoinie resumed playing for the club again between 2014 and 2016.
He assumed the role of joint treasurer in Maryland/Tang at the end of 2018, and contributed massive work. This included providing jerseys and club gear to underage players, and setting up a club website. His last contribution was to offer all players training tops, club hats and a football each.
An all round GAA fanatic, Eoinie has left imprints in GAA clubs from his travels; Westmeath New York, John McBrides (Chicago ) and Wellington (New Zealand ) all benefited from his playing prowess and voluntary efforts. He played football like he lived life, a massive sense of fun and enjoyment.
We express our condolences to his wife Eimear, and to the Farrell and Murphy families. Codladh Sámh Eoinie.’
Municipal District Meeting Adjourned
As a mark of respect, the July sitting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District was adjourned to Monday next, Eoin being the son of sitting Fine Gael Councillor, Tom Farrell.
Prior to its adjounrment, tributes were duly afforded to Eoin by the public representatives in attendance, Municipal District Mayor, Cllr Vinny McCormack offering “heartfelt condolences” to his council colleague and the Farrell family.
“I knew Eoin through our meetings on the football field and he was a truly formidable opponent. Such was his talent, he played as a goalkeeper and a centre back for Maryland. GAA was a hugely important part of his life where he excelled not just locally but an the international stage in the US and New Zealand.
“Eoin showed great dedication to his club from an administrative perspective and ensured that the knowledge he acquired during his playing days was passed on to the next generation of Maryland footballers. He achieved so much in his 38 years,” Cllr McCormack stated.
Cllr John Dolan spoke of his close relationship with Cllr Farrell and when he received word of Eoin’s passing from his colleague he was left “numb”.
“Such is Cllr Farrell’s commitment as a councillor he requested that I take his motions and questions at today’s meeting. He is a public representative to the core. We will support the Farrell family as best we can during this time,” Cllr Dolan asserted.
Cllr Dolan commended the words expressed by Maryland GAA in tribute to Eoin, noting that they “encapsulated Eoin’s life both on and off the pitch.”
Cllr Paul Hogan also remembered Eoin as a former classmate in the Marist College who made a “very significant contribution” to the GAA community.
Noting the sadness of the occasion, Cllr Johnny Penrose, offered the support of the council chamber to the Farrell family.
“When you raise a child and see him taken away from you before his time it must be so tough and we will stand with the Farrells in any way we can at this time,” Cllr Penrose commented.
