The Late Jerry Clifford …
Mullingar Shamrocks members and executive extends sincere sympathy to the family of the late Jerry Clifford, Walshestown, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. In particular, sympathy is extended to Jerry’s wife Maeve and to his daughters Karen Gunnell, Sheena Foy, Darina Maguire, Róisín Masterson, Eibhlín Harrington and son Shane, and to his twenty grandchildren and great grandson. Sympathy is also tended to Jerry’s brothers Billy and Seamus, sisters Eileen and Anne, sons-in-law Enda, Tony, Barry, Oisín and Derek and Shane's partner Enya and members of his extended family and friends and former colleagues in An Garda Síochana.
Jerry reposes at Gilsenan's Funeral Home (N91 K660) on tomorrow (Thursday) August 17th from 4.00 p.m. concluding with prayers at 7.00 p.m. Requiem Mass on Friday August 18th at 11 a.m. in the Cathedral of Christ the King followed by burial in Walshestown Cemetery.
Jerry Clifford was a talented sportsman who succeeded in mastering the skills of Gaelic football, hurling, rugby, soccer, basketball and when the football days ended was an avid golfer. The GAA career began in his native Fermoy where he lined out for the Grange Club and won a Cork Novice Football medal in 1958; in 1961 a Garda Depot Basketball title was added to the list of honours. As a member of An Garda Síochana, Jerry was initially based in Drogheda and lined out for the famous Newtown Blues Club and won senior football medals with the club in 1964, 1966, 1967, 1969 and 1970 as well as playing for the Louth senior football team. He also won senior hurling medals with the Na Piarsaigh Club in Drogheda in 1968 and 1969. In 1970, he was a member of the Louth Junior Hurling team that won its division of the National Hurling League. During this time, he also represented the Louth-Meath Division in soccer winning the All-Ireland Garda Soccer title in 1969.
During Jerry’s time in Mullingar, he lined out for Ballynacargy and was a member of the Junior Championship winning team of 1976. During this time, he was a valued member of the Mullingar Rugby Football Club and towards the end of his playing career was a member of the club’s team that won the Leinster Fourth’s Cup in 1982. He also played a part in the management of Mullingar Shamrocks senior team during the late 1970s.
To say that Jerry’s family has been active in Mullingar Shamrocks is something of an understatement. Róisín Masterson has served on the Club Executive, and has been a key organiser in several of our high profile social and fund raising events over the past decade, has been involved in coaching and was one of the originators of our wonderful Na SeamrÓigí concept. Darina Maguire has always been on had to lend her support to the various club events. There is little need to document the contributions of Jerry’s sons-in-law, Barry Maguire and Oisín Masterson to the club.
Jerry’s grandchildren, Molly, Donnacha and Emily Maguire as well as Zak, Tye and Lauren Masterson are very much part of the future of Mullingar Shamrocks and are already key players in their various underage teams, wearing the green jersey with pride.
Ar Dheis Dé go Raibh a Anam.
