Clarecastle GAA Club send our deepest sympathies to the family of John McInerney, a renowned Magpie, who sadly passed away yesterday.
We extend our condolences to his wife Agnes, loving children John, Maura, Declan and Conor, daughters-in-law Mags, Anne and Claire, son-in-law Ger, and grandchildren Aisling, Sarah, Jack, Aoife, Seán, Saoirse, Róisín and Caoimhín and extended family.
John, affectionately known as “Ronnie”, was an integral part of our club for decades. He served Clarecastle GAA in a number of roles, spearheading the development of the club and acting as a pioneer in the position of Club PRO. As Treasurer (1971–1983), he was central to the ambitious purchase and development of Clareabbey, which brought our club and its facilities to a new level.
As PRO, he produced a number of unique publications, including the Magpie Magazine, which was recognised nationally by Croke Park with the awarding of a prestigious McNamee Award.
John was a shop owner in the heart of our village and a familiar face to all. He was often called upon to transport the great and the good of Syntex, and during those journeys, you were guaranteed the latest Clarecastle GAA news, whether you wanted it or not. He was equally comfortable ferrying countless young Magpies to matches across the county, with many also hearing John’s “gospel” along the way.
For so long, John was a committed community activist and played a role in all aspects of village life. His emphatic defence and promotion of our club at County Board meetings earned him great respect across his beloved County Clare. He was a devoted collector of Clarecastle GAA memorabilia and a proud custodian of our club’s history.
He served as Uachtarán Clár Átha an dá Choradh in 2010.
As a mark of respect for John’s tireless service to our club, a guard of honour will be provided after his funeral mass on Saturday 18th April at 11am.
