Above – Seamus Donnelly in action against Cushendall’s Lawrence McAlister during one of the big Championship duals in Fr Healy Park in the early 80
Seamus ‘Killer’ Donnelly was laid to rest after Requiem mass on Wednesday in St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Church in his native Ballycastle. A legend of the game in the Town he born and bred in, Killer was a star in the great Ballycastle team of the late 70s and early 80s. Many years before Hydrox Killer was a fitness fanatic and always took pride in being at the front in the fitness drills during training. He hurled for Antrim for a year or two but was his home club was his real passion, winning seven Senior Championship medals, his first coming against Sarsfields in 1975 right through to his seventh against St John’s in 1986. His love for the game carried on after retirement and it intensified in recent years with the emergence of his grandson Cadhan Crawford in recent times. Seamus was a real character and it was great to see so many turn out on Wednesday for his funeral.
The bright light of heaven to you Seamus!
The following is a tribute his club paid him on their Facebook page
“We are so saddened to learn of the passing of Seamus Donnelly; ‘Killer’ to many in local circles.
Seamus, former Hurler & father to club member Louise Crawford, former Player Michael, Father in law to Gabriel, Grandfather to our Playing Members Cadhán, Ellie & Dara and Brother of Member Nuala.
Seamus leaves us with a rich hurling history against his name. Alongside brothers Terence & Brendan, Seamus was a steadfast on the successful Senior Championship winning teams in the 70s & 80s. No doubt a highlight was the ’78 win when he captained the team to County & Ulster glory. A regular at left half back, Seamus was a force to be reckoned with on the pitch & and one of a kind character off it!
Seamus enjoyed his trips to Páirc MacUilín, and further afield, every week, to watch our great game, especially when his own grandchildren were involved. He definitely passed on his great passion for playing in the beloved Black & Amber jersey
On Saturday, just hours after his passing, we witnessed that strength & passion shine through when his Grandson Cadhán, who he was so proud to watch, put in a match winning performance in Rossa Park to secure a Senior Championship Quarter Final place for ‘the town’. A truly fitting tribute to say the least!
We offer our sincere condolences to his children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces & nephews who have all been involved in Club life, as well as the wider family circle.
