There was sorrow and disbelief throughout the county and beyond on Tuesday afternoon when news broke of the sudden death of Timmy Sheehan. Just some fifteen hours before that Timmy was in his usual good form entertaining his colleagues in the Stacks Clubhouse going through all the main sporting happening of the week-end. Some 48 hours before that he was reporting for Radio Kerry on the Kerry/Antrim Senior Hurling National League game in Austin Stack Park. So it was a complete shock to everyone when they learned of his sudden passing.
After coming up through the Juvenile ranks of the 1960s Timmy’s first success at Adult level came in 1967 when Stacks won the Minor Hurling Co. Championship. Timmy’s midfield partner in that final was none other than Dick Spring. Timmy was just a year over age when the Minor Footballers won the Club’s first Minor Football Co. Championship in 1969. He then went on to have a glittering career at Senior level – going on to win four SF Co. Championships in 1973, 1975, 1976 and 1979. In between he won a Munster and an All Ireland Club Championship medal during the 1976/77 season.
When his Senior days were over he lined out with the Junior teams and was a member of the C team when they won their first Barrett Cup Final in 1986. Afterwards he was an outstanding coach and manager of many teams at both Junior and Senior levels down the years, including a very good Senior Hurling team which the Club had in the late 1980s-early 1990s. His son Billy was also an outstanding Club player and had a brilliant career with the Laois Senior Footballers from 2004 right up to 2016.
Timmy continued his involvement with Club affairs right up to the end. Just ten days ago he brilliantly did the master of ceremonies at the Club’s Annual Social when the Senior and C Team players were presented with their winners medals after such a successful season.
In addition to his Club work he was also a brilliant sports writer/commentator with the local Kerryman Newspaper and Radio Kerry. His knowledge of most sports was second to none. Apart from GAA matters he excelled in Basketball and Soccer in particular and he was so pleased to see his beloved Liverpool moving close to winning the Premiership after a 30 year gap.
We extend sincere sympathy to his wife, Anne; his son, Billy; his daughter, Lorraine, daughter in law Marie & his 3 grandsons – Timmy, Billy & Davie, and to all his extended family and friends.
Funeral arrangements: Reposing at the Gleasure Funeral home Friday March 6th from 7pm to 9pm. followed by removal to Our Lady & St. Brendan’s Church. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 1pm. Burial in New Rath Cemetery. RIP Timmy. Austin Stacks Club will provide a guard of honour.
