Joe (Liam) McCartan, for decades a community leader in West Belfast through his dedicated work at CLG Naomh Pól on the Shaw’s Road.
The 77-year-old died at his home in Coolnasilla Park East on Sunday after a long battle with illness. He is pre-deceased by his wife Maura and son Liam, and survived by his children Fiona, Grannia and Conor and his adored grandchildren Cara, Cormac and Cillian.
Joe is also pre-deceased by his mother Rita, father Jack, brother Thomas and survived his sisters Kathleen and Philomena (Australia) and brothers Jim (Australia), John and Eamonn.
Joe was educated in St Kevin’s Primary School and then St Thomas’s Secondary School on the Whiterock Road. Following shorter stints of employment, he spent the majority of his professional life working as a Sales Manager for the Prudential and played a key role in providing opportunities and employment for many local people within this industry.
However, his great passion was for the GAA and particularly CLG Naomh Pól, Béal Feirste. He started playing for CLG Naomh Pól in the late 1950’s and in later years he excelled in the administration of the club. In his roles as Secretary and Chairman Liam was the driving force behind many of the club’s key milestones including the relocation to Shaw’s Road, the development of the pitch, the construction of the club rooms, handball alleys and changing rooms.
Liam had the vision to see how CLG Naomh Pól could develop and possessed the qualities to deliver this for future generations by establishing a structure that drive the club from junior to senior status.
He was instrumental in creating a love and loyalty for the GAA culture and community in thousands of young people in West Belfast.
Liam was never happier than when he was either at Shaw’s Road or at his caravan in Enniscrone, Co. Sligo with his late wife Maura and his family.
In a family statement, Liam’s children commented on their love for their father and described him as “their hero”.
The hundreds of comments on the CLG Naomh Pól social media platforms provide a snapshot of the positive impact Liam has had on so many people within the local community.
Liam’s funeral will take place in St Agnes’s Church today Thursday 23rd March 2023 at 1.30pm with burial taking place at Hannahstown Cemetery.
