Déise legend passes on

WATERFORD GAA united to pay their final respects to a football legend and renowned educationalist Sean Ahearne of Brenan, Stradbally, yesterday.

Ahearne, who died at home following a protracted battle against cancer, was a superb gaelic footballer and regular on the county senior team for several seasons.

He was captain of the Stradbally side that won county SFC titles in 1972 after an absence of 28 years, and, along with his brothers Robin and Tom, also won in 1980 and 1982. His sole hurling success, a junior county title, came his way in 1974 when he was also manager of the club’s U21 football team that won their first county championship.

Between 2001 and 2005 he managed the club’s senior football team to five titles on the trot, was denied an historic six in a row when they narrowly lost the 2006 final, but was back in the winners enclosure in 2009 and 2010. He resisted all offers to take over the county team and shied away from several outside offers too.

His career in education was equally impressive. A member of the Teachers Union of Ireland, he became principal of St Declan’s Community School in Kilmacthomas.

Mr Ahearne is survived by his wife Bridget (sister of former Clare hurling goalkeeper Seamas Durack), sons Robbie and Barry, daughter Claire, brothers Robin and Tom, sister Angela and a wide circle of other relatives.