Dedicated and loyal servant of Kilmainham and Meath GAA

OBITUARY: Declan Black, Kells

Declan Black

Kells

Gaelic football clubs across north Meath were joined by Meath County Board in paying tribute to Declan Black of Kilmainham, Kells, who died peacefully at home on Sunday 15th June, surrounded by his family. He was in his 70th year.

His home club, Kilmainham, said there are not enough words to describe its dear friend, neighbour and clubman, but started with lovable, supportive, reliable, relentless, resilient, dedicated and determined.

"Where would Kilmainham GFC be today, were it not for Declan’s tireless hours of work and dedication?" they asked.

"The club meant everything to him, and he meant everything to the club.

"Some local kids thought Declan owned the pitch, because that’s where he could always be found, painting walls, marking pitches, cleaning gutters, cutting hedges, sweeping and mopping the clubhouse, doing linesman, umpire - and always with a friendly greeting and a smile.

“He acted as chairman, secretary, treasurer and committee member for years. He drove our club forward year after year with his enthusiasm and creativity, always trying to improve our club grounds and facilities.

“His secretary reports at AGMs were something we looked forward to ..... they were meticulous, well written, and they accurately recorded the yearly club events. He was relentless at club fundraisers, he raised thousands down through the years and was always the first one to run short of tickets to sell. No one could say ‘no’ to Declan when he was selling a ticket simply because he was such a great supporter of all GAA and charity fundraisers and was always the first man to put his hand in his own pocket. As recently as 24th May, on a horrible, wet night, Declan stood outside the church gates for the annual collection. Despite his illness, and terrible weather he was ready to raise money for our club – the club that meant so much to him throughout his life."

The tribute continued: "Declan was a proud man. Proud of his community, the people, and the work they did together. He was proud to welcome teams to play in Kilmainham to showcase the fine club facilities. He was the first to get organised and would ring everyone he knew to make sure that the games were well stewarded.

“Declan was proud of the official opening of our club pitch on Sunday 30th April 2017, when Meath welcomed Down to Kilmainham. A historic day for our club and proud day for him. The opening was postponed numerous times because Declan was a perfectionist - and he ensured it was perfect. He took great pride in seeing Meath play on his home ground. In the same year, Kilmainham received the Meath GAA Club Grounds of the Year award. Another proud moment for Declan, all his hard work rightly receiving the recognition that he thoroughly deserved.

“He gave unbelievable dedication and service to underage section, Round Towers. He helped with every aspect of the club. He dedicated one week of his annual leave each year just to make sure that the Cúl Camp was a success.

"His commitment to his club was only rivalled by his equal commitment to Meath GAA. He volunteered as a Pairc Tailteann steward at Meath matches of all ages.

“He was the current vice-chairman to the minor board, acted as secretary to the minor board and held various roles on the county board throughout the years. He was our club delegate to the county board for numerous years.

“While Declan was always busy, he was never too busy to help a friend. He never said ‘no’ when someone asked for his time. He was highly regarded and respected by everyone at county board, club and community level.

“He gave over 30 years of loyal service to Meath GAA, travelling the length and breadth of the country to attend Meath matches in all types of weather. Even though his health had deteriorated so much, he refused to miss the Meath and Louth Leinster Final in Croke Park. He went to great lengths to make that match when lesser men would have thrown in the towel. Declan was resilience personified.

"Declan, you have left our club a better place for you having been there, and for that we are eternally grateful," Kilmainham GFC concluded. "Time for others to follow in your inspiring footsteps, and to build on great legacy you have left behind."

Meath GAA County Board described Declan as a truly outstanding GAA man who gave a lifetime of dedicated service to his beloved Kilmainham GAA Club.

"Declan was an unbelievable GAA man – the very definition of a selfless volunteer. He served Kilmainham in every capacity imaginable: player, mentor, officer, committee member, and tireless club supporter. His commitment to the club was unwavering and his presence was a cornerstone of community life," Coiste na Mí stated.

"His service also extended to Meath GAA, where he acted as a county committee delegate for many years and served with distinction as an officer of the minor committee. Declan’s integrity, passion, and generosity left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him.”

Predeceased by his parents Nancy and Sam, Declan is survived by his wife, Helen; son, Conor; brother, Sam; sister, Anne; extended family, neighbours and friends. His funeral took place from St Colmcille's Church, Kells, to St Colmcille's Cemetery.

A minute's applause was recorded for Declan in Croke Park before the beginning of the Meath-Galway SFC quarter final on Sunday last, the result of which would have delighted him greatly.