RIP: Late Seán Kilemade was one of Longford Slashers’ most decorated footballers

There was deep sadness in Longford town and beyond following the death of Sean Kilemade, one of Longford Slashers’ most decorated footballers, on Thursday, April 10. 

The winner of seven Longford senior football championship medals, Sean died peacefully, surrounded by his loving children, their mother and his siblings at Oakwood Lodge Nursing Home, Dublin. He was predeceased by his parents John and Margaret (Peggy) Kilemade.

Sean will be deeply missed by his son Robert, daughters Rhona and Leah and their mother Carmel, brothers Michael and Peter, sisters Mary, Edel, Ann and Rita, brothers-in-law Tom, Philip and Eunan, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

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The Longford Slashers club paid tribute to Sean in a post on social media. 

“Sean was one of Longford Slashers’ most legendary footballers. His remarkable contribution to our club will never be forgotten. 

“As the most decorated player in the history of our senior team, with an incredible seven Senior Football Championship medals, he embodied the spirit, skill, and dedication that define Longford Slashers.

“Sean was not only a sporting icon but also a valued friend and teammate to many. His legacy and love for the club will never be forgotten.

“Our thoughts are with his son Robert, daughters Rhona and Leah, their mother Carmel, his brothers, sisters, extended family, and wide circle of friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

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Back in 1971 when still a minor, Sean lined out at right-corner-forward on the Slashers side that beat St Martin’s (a Carrickedmond and Kenagh amalgamation) and twenty years later he won his seventh senior medal. 

He received the Fr Donal Gearty Award (Slashers Minor Award) in ‘71 and he enjoyed a glittering career winning 7 SFC titles (1971, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1989, 1990 & 1991), 3 Leader Cups (1972, 1988, 1991), MFC in 1971 and U21 in 1969. 

He also won an All-Ireland Club SFC title with a UCD side managed by Eugene McGee, after winning a Dublin SFC title in 1974. Sean also made ten appearances for Longford in the NFL from 1975 to 1979. 

A talented swimmer and rugby player, and a former student of St Mel’s College, Seán’s very high level of fitness was very much the key to his remarkable consistency where he turned in many sterling performances on the GAA pitch at left corner and left half back. He was a great footballer and athlete and a hero to many and particularly to the younger students in St Mel’s in an era when good role models were important and appreciated.

Beyond the white lines, Seán always had a lovely quiet, humble and happy nature. Seán and his late father, John, were highly respected accountants and many will remember them working from their Dublin Street office.  

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Seán was 38 when he won the last of his seven SFC medals in 1991 and he always encouraged team mates young and old. 

He was diagnosed with dementia a number of years ago and displaying remarkable resilience and courage he became an advocate for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and in 2015 he featured in a video where people living with Dementia spoke about their experiences and how to manage day-to-day. 

Seán told viewers, "I walk every day and I jog and I get a great sense of achievement” and it is that sense of determination that people will always remember him for. 

The late Seán Kilemade lay in repose at Glennon’s Funeral Home on Sunday, April 13, with cremation service taking place in Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan the following day. May he Rest In Peace. 

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