Tribute to Longford's most outstanding golf personality

In her 95th year, Margo (née Beckett) of Killashee, Co Longford, passed to her eternal reward on Friday, December 30, surrounded by her family and in the care of the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar.

An exceptional sportsperson, Margo was predeceased by her husband John, brother Desmond, sister Olga (Wain), daughters Sally (Campbell) and Patricia.

Much loved mother to Sue (Brieva), Margie (Gervasoni), Mike, Mary (Ryan), Julie, Grace (Bouton), Catherine (Mooney), John, Dan and Barry, much loved grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, Margo will be missed by family, extended family, neighbours and friends.

A renowned swimmer, table tennis player and golfer, Margo was Longford Golf Club Lady Captain in 1971 and the club's First Lady President in 1996.

She lay in repose at her residence on Sunday, January 1 and Mass of the Resurrection took place on Monday, January 2 in St Patrick’s Church, Killashee at 12 noon, followed by interment in Killashee Cemetery.

County Longford Golf Club posted a beautiful tribute to the late Margo.

"Co Longford Golf Club and the golfing fraternity in general has lost one its most incredible women with the passing of Margo Magan RIP.

"Margo joined our Club in 1952. Having been a National and Olympic panel swimmer and a National table tennis winner, she put all her sporting skills into golf after marrying John in 1948.

"She was a most extraordinary woman who combined golf with being mother of twelve children and a busy farming housewife.

"She played single figure golf for all of her playing career and her name is etched on every perpetual Cup and Trophy in the Club.

"The pinnacle of Margo’s golfing career was winning the Irish women’s National Close Championship in 1988. This achievement has never been equalled or rivalled since in our Club.

"She led our Senior Cup team to victory in 1989 in Connacht.

"She was a Finalist in the Murvagh Connacht Championship in 1978 as well as a Member of victorious Connacht interpro team the same year.

"Margo was Lady Captain in 1971 and First Lady President in 1996.

"Margo was the epitome of a Club golfer who played in every competition both Club and inter-club.

"She gave willingly of her knowledge of the game to all levels of golfers and was a scrupulous perfectionist regarding Rules and Etiquette of the game.

"We will remember her as Longford's most outstanding golf personality of our time. We are left with a marvellous legacy of memories to relish and enjoy, especially those of us fortunate enough to have played in her weekly 4Ball.

"Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann."