Leitrim and Gortletteragh says goodbye to an inspirational and valued community man

It was with sadness that we heard the sad news that Eddie McCartin of Drumgownagh had passed to his eternal reward in Arus Carolan at an advanced age on Saturday, December 28, 2024.

Eddie reposed at Smith’s Funeral Home in Ballinamore where his many friends and neighbours not only came to pay their respects but to reminisce on his wonderful life and what he meant to so many people, be it in GAA circles or from his days working with Leitrim County Council.

His remains were removed from his home in Drumgownagh on Monday, January 6 and the hearse carrying his coffin, which was draped in the Green and Gold of Gortletteragh, stopped for a few moments at the Park and Community Centre where a great gathering of Gortletteragh GAA people had assembled to say farewell to Eddie and thank him for this wonderful legacy. Eddie’s funeral mass was celebrated by Fr Nigel Charles assisted by Fr Matt Grier in St Mary’s Church, Gortletteragh.

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His coffin was flanked by Gortletteragh Club members as it made its way to his final resting place in Gortletteragh Cemetery. There was a fitting oration at Eddie’s graveside and Kevin Masterson sang Lovely Leitrim as we said goodbye to a valued community man.

Back in the early 1960s Eddie and his fellow GAA lovers came together and formed the Park Committee which would go on to positively change the course of parish life. They bought Podd Colreavy’s farm in Annaghmore and developed the new football field in 1967, the first club in Leitrim to do so. They then saw the need for a meeting place for their people and so built the Community Centre which opened in 1973. These two special facilities became the heart and soul of the parish. Eddie must have been very pleased when he looked back and saw the great joy and happiness that these two giant developments brought to his people. 

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Eddie’s vision and foresight still inspires Gortletteragh people which is evident from the new state of the art pitch and playground that has been developed and opened just over a year ago. Thanks for all the nice memories and for doing so much in your lifetime for Gortletteragh parish and its people. 

We offer our sympathies to his sister Mary, brother-in-law Tommy, niece Maggie, the extended McCartin family, neighbours and friends. 

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God be good to you Eddie and may you rest in peace with Philomena and all deceased Gortletteragh Gaels. We can be quite sure that you will continue to guide us in the future.