The whole club is shocked and saddened on hearing of the sudden death of our Club President, Frank Connolly, late last night.
Frank was Mr. Drumhowan. Whenever you mention Drumhowan the name of Frank Connolly goes hand in hand. He was at the senior game last Saturday evening and left a happy man, commenting during it that if he lived another 2 weeks, he would be 89 – sadly that was not to be. When the County Board introduced the Volunteer Appreciation Scheme in 2017, Frank was the obvious first choice. Here is what was written about Frank at the time:
Frank Connolly a Drumhowan man for the ages.
Frank arrived to Drumhowan in 1957 and has been ever present to this day. For the first 2 years he mainly played at half back. In 1960 he moved to full back. That year Drumhowan captured the Junior Double and went unbeaten. A coincidence perhaps or maybe not. Frank remained at this position until his retirement in 1972 – however when the need arose, he continued to tog out on occasions.
However, playing was only the beginning. Before he stopped Frank became chairman of the club in1968 and remained in that position until 1978 apart from 1971. He then became joint treasurer for a period of 4 years. This wasn’t the only role that Frank had during this period. From 1974 till the mid 90’s Frank was either manager or selector of the Senior Team. Highlights were capturing the Junior Championship in 1991 and then the Intermediate Championship in 1993.
He also along with Hugh Duffy was groundsman after the opening of Páirc Mhic Eoin in 1985 and during this period the field was awarded ground of the year on a number of occasions.
To this day Frank remains a member of the club executive and rarely misses a meeting. He can be seen at most games making sure there’s an umpire in place. When Frank asks it’s hard to say no. He also makes sure the cars are properly parked at championship games. There are no gaps when Frank’s about. He can even persuade some of the more senior players to give it another year when others can’t.
The club offers its sympathy to his wife Patricia, daughter Carmel, son Francis, his grandchildren and the wider Connolly family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.
