(JJ Hurley)
The recent passing of Dave Drinan has seen the exit of an individual who wore his passion for the GAA and especially, his beloved Carrigaline on his sleeve.
While many of a younger generation will remember him as the man spending long hours ensuring that not a single blade of grass was out of shape at the grounds, those of an older generation will remember a formidable footballer and hurler, who togged out for Cork as a minor hurler in 1959.
Indeed, many of that team from 65 years ago were among the large congregation that attended his funeral mass at the Church of Our Lady and St John in Carrigaline.
On a club level, he lined out for both the footballers and the hurlers, winning three consecutive SE Junior A Football titles in 1967, 1968 and 1969. In 1974, he picked up the illusive SE Junior A Hurling medal, following victory over Tracton at Shanbally.
Reflecting on what had been an impressive career, former teammate, John O’ Connell described him as a very fast athlete, often given the man-marking job on the opposite team’s Star forward.
For another former teammate, Tom Jones, Dave was a strong competitor.
In addition, to his playing career with Carrig, he also played hurling with Carrigdhoun.
Following his retirement from the game, he never abandoned his club, with a commitment as the unofficial grounds man.
His skill in producing a carpet-like surface was the envy of many other clubs throughout the county, with Tom remarking, ‘He was very good as a grounds man, outstanding’.
Other roles had included a hurling selector in the early 80s and a stint as a vice president of the club.
In a recent statement from Carrigaline GAA, a spokesperson for the club said,’ Carrigaline GAA Club has lost a true stalwart.
'His commitment to his role within the Club was second to none.
Grass was cut at all times of the day and night, with family members keeping an eye on the weather forecast.
He epitomised what it means to be a volunteer in any Club.
‘The Carrigaline GAA Club sends its deepest sympathies to his wife, Sheila, Daughters Louise, Edel, Tricia and Ciara, and their families, his brothers Denis and Lal, sister Angela and also remembering his brother the late Sean
留言