GLOWING tributes have been paid to a former Clare and Éire hurler following one of the biggest funerals held in Ennis in recent years.
Martin “Custy” Linnane (88) Considine Road, Cloughleigh, Ennis and formerly of Old Mill Street, Ennis, Co. Clare died unexpectedly at University Hospital, Limerick, recently.
Hundreds of mourners queued from outside Kennedy’s Funeral Home up to Carmody Street, Ennis, on Tuesday, August 6.
In fact, the deceased’s remains didn’t arrive at Ennis Cathedral until 10.15pm almost three hours after the appointed time of 7.30pm.
Speaking at his Funeral Mass in Ennis Cathedral, Chief Celebrant Fr Tom Ryan said other “Townie” Funerals that were late to the Cathedral included the late Eugene McNamara, Noelie Ryan and Francie Mahon, who were all proud Éire Óg clubmen.
After emigrating to work in England, Fr Ryan recalled Mr Linnane returned home in the late sixties and followed in the footsteps of his father, Mick, by playing for St John’s and Éire Óg.
“Martin took great pride in Éire ÓG. Two weeks ago, it was great he was in the Éire Óg clubhouse for the arrival of the Liam McCarthy Cup.
“Like so many in this area, he worked in Shannon Airport in the International Hotel. He would have welcomed dignitaries from all over the world who passed through the airport and stayed in the hotel.
“Martin was a man of faith. He attended daily Mass, weekly adoration and devotion to the Sacred Heart and prayer was very much a part of his life,” he said.
Describing Mr Linnane as a great character who was committed to his wife, Nora for 50 years, he noted the couple were blessed with four sons.
Fr Ryan was assisted by Fr Otto, OFM and Fr Brendan Kyne, PP Ballinacally.
In his wide-ranging eulogy, Jerry Linnane recalled his father was born in February 1936 to a loving and large family of ten who lived at 7 Considine Terrace in the heart of Old Mill Street.
Mr Linnane was the last remaining family member until his death.
Having attended the old Ennis National School on the Kilrush Road he was proud to send his sons there. In fact, Jerry Linnane’s daughter, Ava, was the last of the third generation to graduate from the school last summer.
Very proud of Old Mill Street and the “Tage”, Mr Linnane grew up in challenging economic times in a place where community spirit mattered more than money and wealth.
Several local historians visited him to tap into his vast knowledged about multiple generations who lived and died in the heart of our great town.
Jerry Linnane paid tribute to Larry Brennan for his lovely reflection about his father on social media, Gerry Woods, who built on the work started by Joe Shannon to complete the book of Old Mill Street, and Ollie Byrnes for chronicling his hurling career.
Back in the forties, a hard-working farmer Mr Custy who brought essential supplies on a horse and cart up along Old Mill Street took a shine to young Martin Linnane, placing him on the cart as he continued to do his work.
Martin Linnane was christened “Custy” by his childhood friends and this nickname stuck for the rest of his life. He lived for the happiness generated by connections to people, which he gave himself and received as much in return.
Regarded as a great hurler from a young age, Mr Linnane played hurling with St John’s, and minor hurling for Clare in 1954 before he had to leave for England a few days later.
Along the way Mr Linnane found another father in his beloved Uncle Christy `Click’ Houlihan and the links between the Houlihans, Cassidy`s and Linnane`s remain strong today.
Mr Linnane met the love of his life, Norah in 1969 and the devoted couple set up their own home mirroring where they came from and showering their children with “unlimited love and affection”.
Jerry Linnane reminisced about the countless times his father would criticize his children for using foul and abusive language while shortly after and on the same car journey, launching a ferocious tirade, with worse language than they used.
Mr Linnane’s short fuse frequently caused him occasional trouble on the hurling field leaving officials exasperated.
Jerry Linnane thanked the medical staff in University Hospital Limerick and Shannondoc who tried valiantly to save his life, Dr Tony and Dr Denise and their staff, Fr Tom Ryan, and neighbors in Considine Road for their love and kindness over 50 years.
In a tribute on RIP.ie, John Madden stated Mr Linnane was one of the last of the old Ennis stalwarts.
Espousing Christian values in all aspects of his life, Mr Madden said the deceased lived by them and was a family man who was part of a devoted couple with his wife, Nora.
“He loved sport – hurling, soccer, and horseracing in particular. He was devoted to Éire Óg and Clare. The last time that I met him was fittingly in the Friary car park on Saturday, May 4th – six days after Clare had beaten Cork in Pairc Ui Chaoimh – one of great hurling days only to be surpassed 12 weeks later.
“He was an outstanding hurler in his youth playing for the county before emigration called him to London where he had the misfortune to adopt the Mayo of soccer as his team – namely Spurs. Martin was at the World Cup final in 1966.
“On returning to Ennis, the following year – he soon re-united with Éire Óg and he didn’t believe in shirking any challenges on the hurling pitch. I remember him successfully playing in goal in the town league in 1981.
“However, Martin’s best win was meeting Nora and what a couple they made. They always treated me and all others with the height of hospitality,” he said.
Mr Linnane was predeceased by his brothers and sisters. He is sadly missed by his loving wife, Nora, children Michael, Jerry, Anthony and Martin, daughters-in-law, Finola, Dianne and Carole, grandchildren, Cian, Evan, Ava, Katie and Eva, nephews, nieces, sister-in-law, extended family, friends and neighbours.
Burial took place in Drumcliffe Cemetery following Funeral Mass at Ennis Cathedral.
Dan Danaher
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.