‘A fine gentleman,’ ‘a true Gael.’ Heartfelt tributes paid to Longford GAA's Eugene Quaine
“I’ll miss him at the game” - Tributes have been paid to the late Eugene Quaine of Carrickedmond who was known for his devoted loyalty to Longford GAA. His funeral mass will take place on Thursday.
Longford GAA has paid tribute to Carrickedmond’s Eugene Quaine, describing him as an “immense servant” of the sport within the county for more than five decades.
Even while battling illness over the past year, he continued to give his time to Longford GAA “manning the turnstiles when needed, collecting the sandwiches for volunteers and officials and proudly sporting the Blue and Gold both at home and on the road.”
Eugene also carried out his duties as one of Longford GAA Leinster Council representatives.
In its tribute, Longford GAA recalled Eugene’s long-standing commitment to the organisation, which began at club level in the early 1970s.
They recalled how he first became involved in an administrative capacity with St Martin’s (Carrickedmond/Kenagh), before taking on a number of committee roles over the following decades. He went on to serve as Chairman of Carrickedmond GAA in the early 2000s.
His contribution extended far beyond his club, with Eugene taking on a succession of important roles within Longford GAA.
Describing him as “a great servant to Longford GAA over the years” the club wrote of how he began as a referee before serving as Treasurer of the Longford Minor Board throughout the 1990s. He subsequently served as Coaching Officer of the Senior Board, Youth Officer and Assistant Treasurer, before taking on the role of Treasurer from December 2019 until 2024.
Eugene returned to his role as Assistant Treasurer last year before being elected Delegate to Leinster Council at the last convention.
They added, “He was a great supporter of all Longford GAA activity and he was seen supporting our teams in all 32 counties and beyond. As he battled illness over the past year, Eugene was still to be seen manning the turnstiles when needed, collecting the sandwiches for volunteers and officials and proudly sporting the Blue and Gold both at home and on the road. His dedication to the GAA is an example for any Gael.”
“To his wife Bernie, his daughters Emma and Katie, his son Eugene, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, family and wide circle of friends and neighbours, Longford GAA extend our heartfelt sympathies. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Condolences from members of the public have been pouring in following the sad news of Eugene’s passing, with many from around the county and further afield describing him as “a fine gentleman” and “a true Gael.”
Another touchingly wrote, “I’ll miss him at the game.”
Eugene will be sadly missed by his loving wife Bernie, his daughters Emma, Katie and his son Eugene, his sisters Mary Lennon (Rathconrath), Bernie Farrell and Kathleen Clarke (Newtowncashel), brothers Packie and John, grandchildren Luke, Fionn, Eva and Caolán, nieces and nephews, daughter-in-law Ayesha Hadi, and sons-in-law Peter O'Leary and Allan Croghan.
Eugene’s funeral arrangements were announced today, with family, friends and members of the community invited to pay their respects at his home in Taghshinny on Wednesday evening from 4pm to 7pm.
Removal on Thursday to the Church of the Sacred Heart in Carrickedmond with Funeral Mass to take place at 12 noon.
Burial will take place afterwards in the local cemetery.
Family flowers only please however donations if desired can be made to to Longford Hospice Homecare care of Paschal Lyons, Funeral Director, Ardagh, or via any family member.