Owen Roe McGovern remembered fondly

The late and great Owen Roe McGovern who passed away recently in New Jersey, was fondly remembered at a special mass in his memory which took place in St Mary's Church in Swanlinbar on last Friday night. The holder of two All Ireland meals from 1947 and 1948, when Owen Roe replaced the injured John Joe O'Reilly during the game. Owen Roe played at right corner back in the 1949 final, when Meath Beat Cavan to win their first All Ireland and he was marking the great Paddy Meegan. The large congregation included members of the Cavan County Board and the Chairman of the Board, Tom O'Reilly extolled the virtues of Owen Roe during his eulogy. The gifts brought to the altar included a jersey and a football and the jersey was presented to Owen Roe's 97 year old Brother, Joe by Tom O'Reilly. Joe who resides at Borim, Swanlinbar never played football but often acted as a lineman and the man who was 97 years young on last St Patrick's day revealed that he got into a few scrimmages while patrolling the line. They came from a family of ten children. The mass was concelebrated by Rev Donal Hannon and Canon P.J. Corrigan and reflections on Owen Roe's life were read at the mass by his grand nephew. Owen Roe emigrated to New Jersey in 1957, where he resided with his wife Phyllis. Some of those also in attendance at the mass were former Cavan player Gabriel Kelly, Jim McCorry, and Johnny Cusack from the 1952 team. The two ladies in the picture are on the right hand side, Sue Sheanon from Bailieboro and formerly Sheridan from Killinkere and she cycled on a bike to meet the Cavan team. On the left is May Ryan who hails from outside Thurles and is the wife of former Fianna Fail Councillor, Francie Fitzsimons, Rasudden, Ballyjamesduff. Deputy Brendan Smith, TD and Councillor Peter McVitty were also in attendance.