By John Curly McIlwaine
Harry Connolly, who died last week, was a man who served his community well during a life lived to the full. He was an elected member of Ballymoney council for 42 years, during which time he served as an SDLP councillor on various committee’s and also held the role as Deputy Mayor at one stage. One of his great strengths during his time in office was his ability to communicate and negotiate with other councillors, regardless of their political background or religious persuasion, and was always highly regarded by his fellow members.
His long time in office with the council was surpassed only by his service to the GAA, not only in his native Loughgiel, but also on the North Antrim committee where he served as treasurer for an astonishing 50 years, something that must surely be a record for a division board officer anywhere in Ireland. During that time he also held different positions on the Shamrocks club committee and also with the Antrim county board.
Harry Connolly loved the game of hurling and after his playing career ended he could not walk away, and was soon involved in the administration side of things. He remained a dyed in the wool Shamrocks follower to the end, and you could say even after the end. After his death last Thursday his funeral should have been scheduled for Saturday or Sunday, but the Shamrocks team, and his beloved grandson Tiago McGarry, were involved in the All Ireland Feile na nGael finals in Galway at the weekend, and so his funeral was postponed to Monday. Harry would not have wanted it any other way.
The people of his parish and his club turned out in force on Monday to say their farewells, and members of teams in the club, included that same Feile team, formed a guard of honour as his remains were carried to St Patrick’s Church for Requim Mass, and again at St MacNissi’s in Magherahoney where he was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
Harry Connolly was loved by all who knew him during a life well lived, but nowhere was that love stronger than in his home with his devoted wife Philomena, son Martin and daughter Helena. The arrival of his grandchildren Harry, Tiago, Ella, Isla and Roma further strengthened that bond. To them, and to his brothers and sisters we extend our sincere condolences.
May her rest in peace! 
