Clare GAA Mourns The Loss Of Long Time Servant Martin Flanagan

The death has been announced of former groundsman of Cusack Park Martin Flanagan.

The Ruan GAA clubman served as the groundsman for Cusack Park and Ballyline, in a career that lasted 22 years.

Tributes have been paid today to Martin following his passing after a short illness, including from Clare GAA who posted a tribute on social media through PRO Michael O’Connor.

“Martin was a long time follower of Clare GAA teams and served for 22 years as the caretaker of Cusack Park and Ballyline GAA grounds. He was witness to the halcyon days of the Clare football and hurling sides of the 1990’s and welcomed thousands of sides into Cusack Park for games over his tenure in the county grounds. His welcome to all teams, mentors and supporters left an indelible mark on all who meet the ever smiling Martin. He will be missed by all who knew him and all in Clare GAA would like to send our condolences to wife Maura, son Pat, daugher in law Lourda and his grandchildren”

Clare senior football manager of the 1990s John Maughan and who became a close personal friend of Martins on hearing of his passing said ” What I remember most of Martin was arriving at Cusack Park for training and even after a long drive down meeting the big smile and good form to set you up for a great session in the park. My deepest sympathies to Maura, Pat and the grandchildren”.

County board Chairperson Jack Chaplin said he was saddened at the passing of Martin and he has “great personal memories of meeting Martin in Cusack Park. I remember going into Cusack Park with Cratloe teams for over 20 years and was always conscious of the great professionalism offered by Martin as were all club, county and school sides. FInally, on behalf of Clare GAA I would like to express my deep sympathy and the associations sympathy to his family at this sad time”

Ar Dheis de ar a anam.