We at the Saffron Gael are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of Antrim’s great Gaels, Seamus O’Hare. We remember him at the gates of Casement Park and indeed at grounds throughout Ireland where he would always ensure we gained entrance if there was a problem with other stewards.
Indeed Curly and I were speaking this morning about Seamus and how he had arranged a parking spot for us at a house of a friend, opposite the back entrance to Casement during big county games more than a decade ago.
The true example of a volunteer, Seamus served his club and county with distinction and was warm and courteous to those who met him and will be badly missed by friends and colleagues at St. John’s, Antrim and much further afield.
Seamus was a well-known figure in Antrim GAA circles, working first with the former St Colmcille’s GAA Club in East Belfast in the 1950s and subsequently with St John’s as he dedicated his life to the Association where he served a number of roles in administration including chairperson and secretary of his club, while also chairing the South Antrim board.
He was a referee of distinction for decades, but also was involved in the preparation of teams including Tommy Hall’s backroom when Antrim won the 1969 All-Ireland U21 football title, right up until the mid-200s under Micky Culbert’s tenure as senior manager.
Throughout the years, Seamus was a presence on the turnstiles at Antrim games and also with the Ulster Council and acted as a steward at Croke Park – just one of the countless roles he held throughout his life.
His dedication to the GAA was rewarded in 2018 when he received a a GAA President’s award for ‘outstanding contribution to Gaelic Games and Culture’.
“CLG Aontroma are sad to learn the passing of Seamus O’Hare, who was a familiar face on the gates of Casement Park and held the same role at Ulster Council matches and as steward at Croke Park among various positions at all levels of the GAA across six decades,” Antrim GAA said in a statement.
“Hardly a match went by without Seamus at the turnstiles. The true meaning of volunteerism.”
His club, St John’s, also paid tribute, saying: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of our esteemed member Seamus O’Hare.
“Seamus worked tirelessly for club and county over many years, proudly receiving Gradam an Uachtaráin as a result. Our sincerest condolences are offered to the O’Hare family at this sad time.”
Our Lady of the Gaels pray for him
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