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Michael Hannon R.I.P.

It is with great shock and sadness that we’ve learned of the untimely death of Michael Hannon, Gurteen, our senior team captain when Eastern Harps won their 1st senior championship on Oct.5th 1975.

Michael gave tremendous service to the club since it’s inception in 1973.He was a founder member and Assistant Secretary for many years.

Lining out for our seniors wearing the No. 6 jersey he led by example,driving the  team forward from his pivitol position.He was a wonderful reader of the game ,enabling him to make timely interventions to stem an opposition attack.His ability to turn defence into attack with deft foot passes was one of the hallmarks of many a fine performance in a Harps jersey.He represented the club on the Co. Junior team,winning a Connacht championship medal in 1973,when he wore the No.5 jersey.

Perhaps Michael’s greatest impact  in the club came from his enduring ability to get the best out of young players in his capacity as a top class coach.

When his playing career came to an end he turned to coaching and team management; transferring his many skills and expertise to hundreds of aspiring young Harps players,eager to emulate their predecessors,over the past 40 years.

He coached his local Carn N.S. team to make a major impact in Cumann na mBunscoil competitions. Subsequently ,many of the Carn players , coached by Michael , progressed to represent club and County at the highest level.

Michael coached and managed several underage teams in the club,who achieved much success and went on to provide the nucleus of the most successful Harps teams in the distinguished history of the club. He believed Gaelic football was a simple game,played foremost for enjoyment and maintained that ethos right through a life dedicated to the promotion of the game.His interest never waned and he was still involved this unprecedented season when club activities were curtailed by Covid 19.

Michael was a wonderful colleague ;sincere, loyal , honest and dedicated and a pleasure to be in his company. His contribution to local  G.A.A. and the community cannot be measured but will never be surpassed.His  legacy lives on in his family.

Above all he was a real family man, taking a modest pride in his children’s achievements both on and off the pitch,together with his wife Margaret who was such support to him.

We extend heartfelt sympathy to his wife Margaret,to Shane,Raymond,Declan and Linda and the extended Hannon family.

Ni beidh a leitheid aris ann ! Go ndeana Dia trocaire ar a anam uasail.