RIP: ‘Huge void’ at Waterford GAA club following sad passing of club president
Kilmacthomas GAA Club has paid tribute to the late David (Dá) Kirwan following his sad passing
David (Dá) Kirwan, late of The Hawthorns, Old Road, Kilmacthomas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 18.
David’s beloved Kilmacthomas GAA Club paid tribute to him in a post on social media.
A club spokesperson wrote: “It is with deep sadness that we learned earlier this afternoon of the passing of our club president, David ‘Daw’ Kirwan.
“Daw was a proud member of Kilmacthomas GAA from the very formation of the club right up to the present day.
“He gave a lifetime of dedicated service to the GAA, first within our own club, where he held various officer positions, before bringing his knowledge, commitment and passion to the Eastern Board, where he served as Treasurer.”
They outlined David’s love of going to GAA games right across the country.
“There wasn’t a gate or ground you could arrive at without Daw being there to meet and greet you.
“Over the years, he made countless trips to Munster Council games in his role as gateman.
“From Tralee to Thurles, Limerick to Cork, Daw loved nothing more than heading off for the day, taking tickets and soaking up the atmosphere of Munster Championship day.
“The journey home would always involve a full review of the day’s proceedings, discussing who had done things right and who might have done things differently!”
The spokesperson also highlighted he represented the club at various board meetings.
“Countless evenings were also dedicated to attending eastern and county board meetings, something Daw genuinely loved.
“He took great pride in representing our club and, wherever he went, he never missed an opportunity to tell people he was from Kilmac.
“He was a wonderful ambassador for Kilmacthomas GAA and our community.”
They described the various friendships that David built over the years through his involvement with the club.
“Daw’s love for the club extended to following our beloved Kilmac teams, always alongside his wingman, Son.
“The two were inseparable on their travels, following the teams wherever they went.
“Mondays were reserved for catching up with Patsy and dissecting the weekend’s GAA action from around the country, while he would always call in to Johnny Power for a chat about soccer and to get the latest news.
“These were the simple things that meant so much to Daw and those around him.
“His love for the GAA, his interest in everything happening within the club and his genuine enjoyment of the company of others made him such a special character.”
The spokesperson outlined the impact that David had on the whole club and how much he will be missed.
“Daw will be sorely missed, not only by everyone in Kilmacthomas GAA but throughout the entire community.
“He was a proud family man, a proud GAA man and, above all, a proud Kilmac man.
“His passing leaves a huge void in our club, but his lifetime of service, his loyalty and his unwavering pride in Kilmacthomas GAA will never be forgotten.”
The club passed on its sympathies to David’s families and concluded by thanking him for his service to the club.
David was predeceased by his wife Kay, parents Michael and Mary and his brother Oliver.
He will be sadly missed by his loving children Gary, Geraldine, David, Kevin and Bryan, daughters-in-law Susan, Martina, Lorraine and Lisa and grandchildren Connor, Lucy, Jessica, Chloe and Mia.
He is also deeply regretted by his sister Anne, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, especially Vincent, relatives, neighbours and friends.
David reposed at Thompson's Funeral Home, Barrack St, Waterford on Tuesday, October 20.
Requiem Mass took place at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Kilmacthomas this afternoon, followed by burial in Newtown Cemetery.
May He Rest in Peace.