This lovely tribute appeared in Donegal Daily to our good friend Albert Waide who was laid to rest yesterday in Loughgiel.
Albert was born in raised in Loughgiel before moving to Donegal in his twenties. When he was growing up he spent a lot of time here in Sunray Crescent, Cargan with his granny Annie Magee and his uncle Davy Magee, brother of his mother Moira.
Donegal Daily tribute
Tributes have been paid in Donegal following the passing of Albert Waide, whose death is particularly mourned in GAA circles.
Albert hailed from Loughgiel in Antrim and was a real hurling enthusiast. A Donegal senior championship winner with Setanta, he was on the Donegal senior hurling backroom team in 2006 when they reached the Nicky Rackard Cup final.
Albert was a player-selector in 2007 when Setanta broke Burt’s long dominance in the Donegal SHC. He often commuted long journeys from his work on a gas rig off the coast of Cork to fulfil his hurling commitments.
His son, Eoin, captained Donegal minors to victory in an Ulster MFC final at Croke Park – against Albert’s native Antrim – and is an eight-time Donegal SFC winner with Naomh Conaill.
“Albert was a long time member of our club and throughout all his roles, he displayed great commitment, integrity and enthusiasm,” Setanta Hurling Club said.
“Albert was part of many successful teams both as a player and as part of the senior management team which made the breakthrough in 2007.
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“His motto ‘have hurl will travel’ epitomised his dedication and pure love of the game. Cork-Glenties-Crossroads was his usual commute to our training and games.
“He was immensely proud of his roots and his love of Loughgiel Shamrocks could never be questioned. He wore his Shamrock jersey like a medal of honour.”
Another Loughgiel native and Setanta clubman, Eamon Campbell, managed Donegal to that Nicky Rackard Cup final in 2006.
Setanta said: “His fervour from the sideline was a driving force. Universally liked by all the players, in a county with deep club divisions, historically, his likeable personality helped heal rifts and form bonds, which last to this day.”
Loughgiel Shamrocks said it was “deeply saddened” by his passing and extended condolences to the family while the Naomh Conaill club added its condolences.
Albert passed away on July 5, peacefully at the MacMillan Unit Antrim Hospital.
Late of 176 Corkey Road, Loughgiel, he was the beloved son of the late Harry and Moira, former husband of Thérèse, dearly loved father of Eoin, Callan and Lauren, father-in-law of Catherine, devoted granda of Katie, Harry and Patrick, very dear brother of Sinead and the late Paddy RIP and a dear nephew, uncle, cousin and friend.
His Requiem mass took place on Wednesday at 12 noon in St. Patrick’s Church, Loughgiel with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.