The passing of a true gentleman
The late Noel ‘Snowy’ Smith, Tullacmongan
News of the passing of Noel Snowy Smith Tullacmongan on Sunday, February 8, cast an air of sadness over Cavan and the wider community.
A man of varied talents, interests, and gifts, he embodied the greatest gift of all - the gift of himself. Noel was non-covetous, non-judgemental, accepted everyone as they were, and was an unassuming good neighbour. His demeanour and lovely smile defined him as a true gentleman.
Noel was born in December 1950 in the townland of Thomascourt on the Ballinagh Rd. He was the eldest son of the late Hugh and Kathleen Smith. In 1952 the family moved to their new home in Tullacmongan. As a young boy playing with his friends on the street where he lived, he showed great love and interest in the game of soccer. Playing in the confines of the street fine tuned his footie skills. He and his friends progressed to wider spaces like the Egg Market and full scale pitches like Tierquin.
Noel attended firstly the old Poor Clare Convent School at Main St, and moving on then to De La Salle Brothers School in Farnham Street. Under the scrutiny of Brother Cyril as teacher, who was also a football enthusiast and mento r, Snowy showed great potential. He gained his name and made his aim at playing Gaelic underage school football winning titles on up to six occasions. This was a template for the man Snowy was going to become.
Secondary
After primary school he attended the old vocational a school ‘The Tech’ in Farnham St, where he sat and obtained ‘the group cert’, which was the norm at the time.
He then entered the workforce and was employed by Cahill May Roberts, a pharmaceutical group based at Station House, Swellan. Noel remained with the company for four years before moving on to the new Cavan Crystal glass factory to train as a glasscutter. He became a skilled craftsman at the job. He remained with the company for 33 years after the factory had run its course.
Noel then joined An Post and worked as a postman and remained there until his retirement in 2015. He brought joy to each household when he delivered, be it a bill or a birthday card - children would come running to meet him - all exchanges greeted with laughter and a smile.
As a boy Noel joined the Scouts in the old Scout Den in Bridge St, and later moving on to St Augustine’s Hall.
He went on hikes and camps to such places as Salthill, Laytown and Bettystown. The scouts had a marching band too and Noel was a dependable and reliable member. When the decision was made that the scouts were only to be involved in scouting, John Donohoe formed a new band called the Breffni Boys Band and Noel, such was his interest in music joined up. He played the big bass drum often referred to as the heartbeat of the band.
In his spare time Noel learned and enjoyed playing the mandolin. He also took piano lessons with Mrs Allison of Railway Rd. This enabled him to learn chord progressions which gained him a position as keyboard player with the hugely popular group of the time called ‘Tara’. They played over a wide radius entertaining their followers with talent, youthfulness, and enthusiasm.
Snowy’s first success in soccer was with Cavan Shamrocks U16 team. They won the Sean McManus Cup in 1967 beating a fine Clones Rangers team 2 -0 in Tierquin Park. From then his soccer career took off and he excelled with Cavan Shamrocks, Longford Town, Enniskillen Town, Clones Town, Darkley - Armagh, Tunney meats, Cades County (Longford) and finally Cavan Town AFC when they were formed in 1975. He was a pivotal member of the team winning the treble in their inaugural season. He also represented the North Eastern League with distinction and won 5 and 7 aside tournaments along the way. All his achievements were characterised with consistent outstanding performances, match winning goals, and an honesty of effort that was the hallmark of his personality. He was simply one of a kind, a he was usually a forward but could play in any position.
After the ban was lifted in 1971 Snowy returned to Gaelic football. He was such a talent that he was immediately selected to play on the Gaels senior team against Lacken in the Senior league final in 1972, winning his first of two senior league titles. The second one was in 1976 against Crosserlough. He won three senior Championship medals in 1975 against Crosserlough; in 1977 against Castlerahan/Munterconnaught and in 1978 against Ballyhaise.
He was selected on the county senior team in the mid-seventies and played in the Ulster final in 1976 against Derry. That ended in a draw and they lost the replay by three points. He was a very adept, fast and intelligent footballer with great stamina, strong and brave for his size, and no opponent liked marking him. A versatile player, he mostly lined out as a forward.
In 1988 Snowy took over the Gaels’ U14 team and won the league and championship double that year. In 1990 he managed the Gaels senior team when things weren’t going so well and kept them in Division 1 which was an achievement in itself. You could say he was a true blue.
From then on he concentrated on his golfing skills which he had taken up a few years earlier. He enjoyed and excelled at all sports he played.
Snowy loved to relax, socialise with his friends particularly in the Slieve Rossa pub where the banter, fun, and camaraderie was at its best. A witty and funny man he would say that his bank card was stolen but he didn’t report it because the thief was spending less than he was!
He visited Spain with his friends from the same establishment many times. He was a member the Cavan Golf Club, Bailieborough Golf Club and Butlersbridge Golfing Society who went annually to Portugal to play for the Butlers bridge-McGowan Tournament Cup, Snowy taking the prize home at least once.
On the evening of Noel’s passing the Slieve Rossa closed down all entertainment as a mark of respect.
The theme of the gospel at the funeral mass spoke about being ‘the salt of the earth’; Noel epitomised this message. He appreciated the ordinary in the everyday, and loved and appreciated his family, faith and friends.
It became clear to Noel that his time among us was coming to a close and he accepted his illness with great dignity. Noel passed on in Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown surrounded by his family and loved ones, and his football colleague and life long friend Jimmy Fay.
Through the woven web of life profound impart to us the power for Noel had faith along the way in a January flower.
The funeral Mass was held in the Cathedral of Ss Patrick and Felim with main celebrant, Fr Kevin Fay Adm. Concelebrated by Fr Brian McElhinney., CC, Fr Cyriacus Offor. CC. Fr Cliff Fumbelo CC and Fr Peter Okpetu CC. The beautiful music and singing was provided by Philomena Smith, Tommy Kenny and Brendan Jermyn.
A large representative crowd attended the Mass as a testament to the esteem in which Snowy was held. Guards of honour were formed as a mark of respect by Cavan Co Board, Cavan Gaels, An Post, and golfing and soccer representatives.
Noel was laid to rest with his parents in St Bridget’s Cemetery, Killygarry. Tommy Kenny gave a moving rendition of Ar Eirinn ni Neosfainn Cé Hi) a lament on the tin whistle at the graveside. Fr Kevin Fay adm officiated.
Noel is survived by his sisters Maura, Peggy Heraghty - (Tony, RIP), Kathleen MacNeaney (Damian) his brothers Hubert (Teresa), Gerry (Joan), and Andy (Fran), his nephews and nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, and a wide circle of friends.