It was with huge disbelief and the greatest possible sadness and regret that we learned on Friday evening last of the very sudden passing of one of our finest clubmen, Terry McCormack. Firstly, Terry was a great husband to Josephine and father to Sinead, Padraig and Sean and we offer them our sincerest sympathies at this time.
Terry had a very long association at the highest levels with our club, both as a player and mentor enjoying many a fine hour in the white and green. Terry, playing at midfield was instrumental in Emmet Òg winning our first county final in modern years in 1988. He scored our second goal on the day with a fantastic long distance shot which beat the Mostrim goalkeeper, before going on to set up the third and final goal which was the decisive score for his brother Jimmy, with a pin point delivery into the square.
Terry later went on to lead our junior team on their fantastic 5 in a row of county titles in the early 90’s, putting the fear of God in many an opposing player along the way. Terry led from the front on the pitch, bossing any game he played in while always protecting his younger and less experienced team mates.
Having finally hung up the boots, Terry managed our senior team for a number of years at the turn of the century, a time when our senior team was in transition with very good results.
Terry continued his links with our senior team when acting as part of the management team along with his brother Tommy and John Bracken during 2012 and 2013. This was undoubtedly our finest period in modern times, kick started by our championship win in 2012. Key decisions made on the side-line during 2012 with Terry’s assistance proved crucial in returning Emmet Òg to the top table of Longford football. Terry was a picture of happiness celebrating our 2012 county final win in Pearse Park surrounded by his family, and was immensely proud of his sons Sean and Padraig who played starring roles on the day.
Terry was always a man who liked to keep fit and in recent years took a great interest in cycling. On Friday evening last he set off on one of his customary cycling trips. Accompanied by his good friends and former team mates Sean, Aidan and Damian he was in the best of health and high spirits. However it was to be Terry’s final spin on the bike as when he turned for home and poignantly close to Cloone football pitch, God intervened and changed his path forever. Terry didn’t make it back to Killoe despite the best efforts of Sean, Aidan, Damian and our friends in Cloone Gaelic football club.
As word spread of Terry’s death there was a sense of numbness and disbelief within the parish of Killoe. Terry will be remembered fondly by anyone who knew him, especially his great friends and team mates within Emmet Òg GFC. We thank Terry for all the excellent memories he has given us over the years as well as all the guidance and motivation he provided to any young player or team mate he coached or played with.
Again we extend our sincerest sympathies to his wife Josephine, children Sinead, Padraig and Sean, his sister Mary, brothers Tommy and Jimmy, neighbours, friends, colleagues in the army, lite pack in Granard, Longford Rugby club and Killoe and Clonguish football clubs.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
As a mark of respect to Terry all club activities over the weekend were called off with the gates of Emmet Park closed until after the funeral.
