The late Peter Carolan - an appreciation

Gaels all over Meath and particularly in Kilmainhamwood were shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Peter Carolan, Lisnagrew Kilmainhamwood.  Affectionately know to his friends as Snowball, he was a stalwart player and club official with Kilmainhamwood all his life.

He also featured prominently with the Gypsum team in many factory league games in the 1950s and 1960s.When he first donned the 'Wood jersey it was in the black and white hooped strip and the team competed at junior level.

1957 saw them promoted to the intermediate ranks and in1959 they contested the intermediate final, but lost to Donaghmore. Other members of that team who have already gone to their eternal reward were Nedjer Mooney, Tom Monaghan, Harry Dillon and Paddy Clarke.

In 1964 the 'Wood were back in the final this time facing a very strong Walterstown outfit which included names like Richie Barry, Mick O'Brien and Pat Reynolds. Once more the 'Wood  had to be content  with runner-up status.

As is so often the case it was third time lucky when Peter and  the 'Wood in an all white strip finally made the breakthrough and were crowned intermediate champions in 1965 after a great victory over Duleek.

Peter was ably assisted on that great day by his brother John, his brother-in-law John Gaynor, Fr. Sean Cassidy and Fr Seamus Cassidy, Pat Kavanagh and a very youthful Percy McKeever.

Peter was a fitter by trade and worked with Gypsum Industries until his retirement some years ago. He was also a part-time farmer with a great gra for cattle and the land. A life long bachelor he was a well-known raconteur and storyteller.

He had many great stories of Herculean deeds performed by all the great footballers of his day. He also had enormous regard for the great club officials who kept small rural clubs alive while contending with emigration and a depressed rural economy of the '50 and '60s.

On the evening of his removal Kilmainhamwood GFC members past and present  provided a 60-strong guard of honour to Kingscourt parish church as a mark of respect for his great contribution over so many years.

Peter was a card carrying member of Fine Gael, a branch officer and a great worker when election time came around.

He is survived by his brother John, sisters Betty Ormond, Mary Gaynor and Eileen Smith. He will be remembered with great fondness by a large extended family, a huge circle of neighbours, friends, club mates and work colleagues.

Kilmainhamwood GFC.