Warm tributes paid to well known Cork author and GAA figure

WARM tributes have been paid to Tim Horgan, the well-known author and sports writer who died on Friday.

The late Mr Horgan who taught for many years in Farranferris was a noted GAA enthusiast who had a huge grá for his beloved Brian Dillons GAA Club and Cork hurling.

His books include 'Christy Ring - Hurling's Greatest' and 'Cork's Hurling History Story' plus local club histories like 'Farna's Hurling Story' covering Faranferris College and Dr. Harty Cup championship hurling.

Down through the years, he served the Brian Dillons club in numerous roles which included both coaching and administrative capacities. He was also a noted club historian who had a firm love for both his club and community.

The late Mr Horgan edited and compiled 'Brian Dillons Hurling and Football Centenary Book', recording its history from 1910 to 2010. This book brought to life the exploits of a typical hurling club and its local area of Dillons Cross.

Eoin Keane club secretary said he has left behind a ‘big’ legacy. “Tim had a great knowledge of Brian Dillons and the GAA. He wrote so many great books. He also used to do the club calendar every year which was brilliant and full of information and archive pictures.

“He had a great love of the club and Cork GAA. He was a great historian and in 2010 he wrote the centenary book for the club. He was a great club man. He will be a big loss. He has left a big legacy,” he added.

“Tim was a great Brian Dillons man,” said Derek Connolly the underage chairman of Brian Dillons GAA Club. “Brian Dillons have lost a great club man. He will be a major loss to both the club and the community. The Horgan family is synonymous with the club. His brother the late Willie Horgan refereed All-Ireland finals and his brother Noel is a well-known journalist.” When local radio began in Cork in 1974, Tim became one of its familiar voices and he also made many broadcasts on the RTÉ national network.

Mr Horgan was named Cork Person of the Month back in 2011 for his huge contribution to hurling in Cork.

Manus O’Callaghan who is the awards organiser recalled him as a ‘lovely’ man. 

“He was a charming and lovely man. He was so modest and well-liked. He had a great knowledge of GAA and particularly of Christy Ring who he wrote a biography about. He was a good author. He has left a big legacy and his many books will be passed down to further generations,” he said.

The late Mr Horgan is survived by his sister Jean and his brother Noel. Requiem Mass will be held for Tim at 1.30pm on Monday, September 18 in St Joseph’s Church, Mayfield and the funeral will then proceed to Rathcooney Cemetery.