Cootehill remembers Ambie McMullen
COOTEHILL folk turned out in large numbers to remember Ambie McMullen, one of their own, in what proved to be a moving, heart-warming pre-Christmas memorial service that evoked laughter, tears, joys and sadness in equal measure.
The well-attended event at the town’s Errigal Hotel on Monday, December 22 gave many who had known Ambie a chance to participate in what was a fitting send-off to a much-loved local man, a man whose life was tragically taken too soon in his adopted Australia on October 28.
Speakers included family members and close friends, each offering a unique perspective on his life and times, with heartfelt reminiscences and anecdotes generating more than a few light-hearted moments to temper the interludes of sorrow that were inevitably part of the occasion too.
While the room was packed with people from Cootehill itself, many others had travelled from around the country, from Germany, from places like Philadelphia in the US, and from New South Wales in Australia where Patrick Ambrose had ultimately settled down with Genie, his wife, to bring up their four fine sons.
The memorial also featured Irish-flavoured musical pieces, symbols of Ambie’s life including jerseys and other meaningful paraphernalia, a pictorial memory board and photo displays recalling many of the glory days. Towards the end, a loving eulogy from Genie summed Ambie’s life up beautifully before the audience partook in a toast to the man himself.
Anyone unfamiliar with Ambie McMullen’s story would have been struck by the sheer impact he had on so many people from so many places and walks of life, and while the former Cootehill Celtic and Cavan county player’s passion for GAA and Gaelic football were of course to the fore, the varied recollections from the podium also highlighted his many other attributes: love of family, of friendship, of learning, of DIY and fixing things, of whiskeys, of motorbikes and of lots more besides.
Most of all, it was a celebration of Ambie’s love of life itself. This decent, gifted and loving man will be fondly remembered.