Leitrim GAA stunned at passing of long serving official Gerry McGovern

Leitrim GAA was plunged into mourning today when the news was announced that Cloone's Gerry McGovern, a former chairman of the Leitrim County Board and President of the Connacht GAA Council, had passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday evening May 24.

In an emotional tribute on their website to their friend and fellow official, Leitrim GAA wrote "Gerry McGovern was one of a kind, and we are privileged to have had him on our side. He was a trojan worker and leader, but was also a great raconteur and excellent company. He was a most approachable and affable human being. We have endured a great loss, but that pales into insignificance when we consider the loss he is to his beloved family circle."

Leitrim GAA County Board Chairman Declan Bohan wrote on RIP.ie "It was a pleasure to have worked with him over a long number of years through his extensive involvement with Leitrim GAA. You were on very safe ground with Gerry by your side. Any task he put his mind to, you could be assured that it would be carried through with extreme care, dedication and attention to detail. Leitrim GAA is deeply indebted to Gerry for his time and effort over these many years. The fruits of his labour will stand the test of time."

Bornacoola Fergal McGill, Director of Club, Player and Games Administration in Croke Park, also wrote on RIP.ie "He was one of a kind and whatever he turned his hand to, he gave it his all and made sure it was a success. What he gave to the GAA and his love of Leitrim generally will not be easily forgotten."

In his playing days, Gerry McGovern won a Leitrim Senior Championship title with Cloone in 1980 while he was one of a number of players on that team who had played key roles in the redevelopment of the St Mary's Park in Cloone. After his playing days, Gerry would serve as a referee for many years, refereeing the Leitrim Senior Finals in 1993 and 1999 and retained a lifelong passion for officiating, going on to serve as referee's coordinator and a fierce defender of match officials.

In his working life, Gerry served as director of the St Joseph's Training Centre in Carrick-on-Shannon for many years while his GAA career saw him serve as Leitrim GAA County Board Chairman from 2005 to 2009, having served as Vice-Chairman from 2003 to 2004. He then went on to serve as one of Leitrim's Connacht Council delegates before being elected Vice-Chairman from 2015 to 2017 and then President of the Council from 2018 to 2021.

A passionate advocate for progressing Leitrim GAA, on and off-the-field, Gerry was the driving force in the development of the new stand, named Ardan Mac Samhrain, in Avant Money Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada, during his term as County Board Chairman as he drove the project himself with great intensity. It was also during his term that the land was purchased to develop the McGovern Leitrim GAA Centre of Excellence in Annaduff.

Following the end of his term as Connacht GAA President, Gerry returned to the Leitrim GAA County Board as Safety & Facilities officer and was responsible for driving the development of many projects designed to increase access for supporters with disabilities at club and county grounds.

Gerry was also the leader of the efforts to install new seating and the newly relaid pitch in Avant Money Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada while he was in the process of finalising plans to redevelop a new entrance with ticket stiles at the County ground, updating delegates about the plans at the most recent Leitrim GAA County Board meeting on May 12.

Gerry was, above all, a passionate Cloone man and would regularly pen lengthy and heartfelt tributes in the Cloone GAA club notes on the passing of former players and officials in recent years, paying tribute to them for their contributions to the club and area. He was also involved in many local activities and organisations as he sought the best for his beloved Cloone.

Gerry McGovern is survived by his wife; Kathleen, sons Ciaran and Gavin and daughter Jacinta, daughters in law Alison and Sarah, Jacinta’s partner Daniel, grandchildren; Dara, Jack, Rosie and Mike, brothers Fr.Ciaran (Newtownforbes, Co. Longford) and Joe (Dublin), sister in law; Geraldine, nephew’s; Ronan, Conor and Kieran, extended family, neighbours and a large circle of friends in the GAA community.

Gerry will repose at Smiths Funeral Home, High St Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim (N41 TD62) on Friday May 30, 2025 from 5 pm concluding with prayers at 7.45pm. Mass of the Resurrection in St. Marys Church Cloone, Co Leitrim on Saturday May 31, at 12.00 noon followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. 

Gerry's Funeral Mass will be streamed live on: www.churchtv.ie/cloone

Everyone associated with the Leitrim Observer, past and present, would life to offer our deepest sympathies to Gerry's family and many friends on their great, great loss. We will not see his likes again. May Gerry Rest In Peace.