Tributes have been paid following the passing of former De La Salle GAA and Camogie Club Chairman, Seamus Quirke.
Mr. Quirke, originally from Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, was a long-standing and highly respected figure within Waterford GAA, giving more than 30 years of service to De La Salle in a variety of roles.
He first became involved with the club when his son James began playing, and went on to serve as Underage Team Manager, Juvenile Chairperson, Adult Chairperson, Board Representative, and later as Club Chairperson during a period of major development and success.
In a tribute on social media, De La Salle GAA and Camogie Club said they were “deeply saddened to hear of the death of our beloved former Chairman, Seamus Quirke.”
“Seamus first got involved with the club when his son James came to play with De La Salle and went on to give over 30 years of service to our club serving in numerous capacities,” the club said.
“He will be remembered mainly for his role as Club Chairperson during a period of major change and unprecedented success for De La Salle GAA. Seamus was a visionary and oversaw one of the most successful periods ever in the history of our juvenile club and followed through with this to senior level.”
During his time as Chairperson, Mr. Quirke played a key role in the move to and development of the club’s Gracedieu Complex, as well as the formation of the De La Salle Camogie Club in 2008.
The club also highlighted his wider contribution to Waterford GAA, where he served as underage manager from U14 to U18, Chairperson of Bord na nÓg, Chairperson of Walsh Park, Chairperson of the County Hearings Committee, and as a County Board Delegate, along with several other administrative roles.
Seamus Quirke pictured alongside Kevin Moran.
“Seamus was never afraid to speak up and offer his opinion or advice and he effectively articulated the interests of De La Salle GAA at county board meetings for many years,” the tribute added.
De La Salle described Mr. Quirke as “a kind and generous person” and “a father figure to many of the young players who grew up in his era.”
“Whether it was putting his arm around players to comfort them after losses, or celebrating their victories with his big hearty laugh, Seamus was very much a people and players person,” the club said.
Mr. Quirke is survived by his wife Hannah, son James, daughters Mary, Siobhán, and Lizzie, daughter-in-law Suzy, sons-in-law Michael, Heath, and Derek, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, extended family, and many friends.
Reposing will take place at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Barrack Street, Waterford, on Wednesday, 15th October, from 7.00pm to 8.30pm, with Vigil Prayers and Rosary at 8.00pm. His funeral cortege will walk from the Bank on Fr. Gregory Way to St. Paul’s Church, Lisduggan, for Requiem Mass on Thursday, 16th October, at 11.00am, followed by burial in Gusserane Cemetery, Co. Wexford. The Mass will be livestreamed from St. Paul’s Church.
De La Salle concluded their tribute by saying:
“All our lives have been enriched by being lucky to have met and worked with you, Seamus. Your passing has left a massive void in our club, but we have fond memories and stories of great times spent together. Ní bheidh a leithéid linn arís. Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
