County mourns legend Seán

County mourns legend Seán

22 November 2023

TRIBUTES have been paid to much-loved Ballykinlar Gael Seán McCashin.

The highly respected GAA stalwart passed away at the weekend at the age of 61.

His funeral takes place today at Sacred Heart Church, Dundrum, at 10am and will be followed by interment at Ballykinlar.

Seán was a dedicated servant of the GAA and took on a number of roles throughout his lifetime.

Most recently, Seán was Down GAA’s delegate to the Ulster Council, PRO of the East Down committee and assistant secretary of the Down LGFA county committee.

But, he was perhaps best known as of late to the public for his role as a referee, officiating in league and championship fixtures across the county at numerous grades.

Down GAA said in a statement: “Seán McCashin was one of those people who just wanted to serve the GAA to the very best of his abilities. 

“For him, Ballykinlar and Down were his outlet in life and he wanted only to be involved. No task was ever too small for Seán, and once asked to take on any role or responsibility, you could be sure that Seán would deliver.”

Just last Friday Seán was acting as a member of an Ulster hearings committee, hearing a case online and sharing with the committee his many years of experience, and at all times wanting to ensure fairness.

Also last week, he assisted in organising a Year 8 blitz for the students of St Patrick’s Grammar School in Downpatrick. He also refereed and recruited other officials to help with this event to ensure it was a success.

In the statement Down GAA said he previously officiated underage matches on short notice as he “did not want to disappoint 30 young boys or girls who might not get a game if no referee was there”.

This was further evidence of his love of encouraging young people to take part in the sport.

The statement continued: “We are lucky that there are people who only want to give their all for our association and Seán McCashin was one such person, he gave his time willingly to any task and in doing so he helped make a difference for those whom he encountered.

“Seán McCashin was the man most identified with East Down, he championed the cause of East Down and its feeder clubs and he worked tirelessly to ensure the betterment of Gaelic Games across the east of the county.”

It added: “We in Down GAA will miss him, we were lucky to have had him in our ranks and we know that he made a difference to many in the simple things that he did.”

Seán’s beloved Ballykinlar GAC also paid tribute to the man who was a past player, former chairman, administrator and Scór competitor, as well as a team selector when the club won the Junior Football Championship in 1995.

“It is with immense sadness that we learn today of the sudden passing of our former chairman and current referee, Seán McCashin,” the club said. 

“A lifelong Gael who served his club and county tirelessly, and who made such substantial contribution to both the GAA and LGFA. 

“We ask you all to remember his wife Annette and all his family and friends in your prayers over the coming days. Our Lady Queen of the Gael pray for him.”

South Down MP Chris Hazzard described Seán’s death as “immensely sad”, noting he was a “vital stitch in the very fabric” of the GAA.

“Away from the GAA, Seán was a very compassionate community housing officer with the Housing Executive in Downpatrick; always helping families whenever he could,” said Hazzard. 

“My thoughts are with Seán’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Seán is survived by his wife, Annette, son, Richard, grandchildren, Luke, Farrah and Bonnie, and the wider family circle.