Blackrock mourn loss of club stalwarts

Blackrock National Hurling Club are mourning the losses of club stalwarts Fr Der Leahy and John Redmond, both of whom died in the past week.

Redmond, a native of Ballymurn, Co. Wexford, was part of the team which beat Glen Rovers in the 1956 county SHC final, ending a drought of 25 years for the club.

The report of that game which appeared in The Cork Examiner outlined the importance of his performance: “The exchanges at midfield broke about even, for Wexford’s Séamus Hearne never showed his All-Ireland form, though he did enough with fellow county man, John Redmond to offset the work of the Glen’s Jim Rodgers and Francie O’Regan.”

Blackrock club president Roger Ryan paid tribute to John’s impact after his move from Slaneyside.

“John was one of our star players throughout the 1950s and gave 20 years sterling service to the club between 1956 and 1976,” he said.

“He lined out at centrefield in the county winning team of 1956, when they beat Glen Rovers by to 2-2, and he also played in the 1963 and 1969 finals.

“He had a glittering career with the Rockies and represented the club at all levels. He won two city junior championships in 1970 and 1972 and was on the losing side for two intermediate finals.

“He also played football with St Michael’s and inter-firm with Ford’s.”

John, who was buried on Monday, was predeceased by his wife Eily (née Bevan) and is survived by his children Finbarr, Jim, Norma, John and Noel.

Also buried on Monday was Fr Michael Jeremiah 'Der' Leahy, who had a varied ministry that took in London and Rome as well as postings closer to home

“Fr Der was a past president of the club and lifetime member and supporter,” said Ryan.

“He never failed to appear at our games and was always a great contributor to our AGMs.”