Written By Grainne Burns on behalf of Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher GAA Club
Another dark cloud descended upon the Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher area last Thursday when the news filtered through that our dear Seamus (Dillon) passed away. In what proved to be his last battle, Seamus, once again, fought so valiantly and bravely for eight days before he peacefully passed away in the presence of his family and close friends.
Seamus was a lifelong member of the club, breaking into the senior team at the tender age of 15 while in his latter years managed the underage team to county success. In the intermediary years, he captained the team and represented the club at county level both at U-21 and senior in 1998/1999.
He was the consummate footballer – dedicated, committed and fearless. Despite suffering a number of sports injuries during the years, he returned each time to the club with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and strength. He was the player we never had to worry about in terms of performance or delivery – every ball he contested we were confident he would win, and more often that not he did. He was a natural leader, yet never looked for the glory or praise. It was all of these attributes that made him a role model to the younger players. When he was sidelined with injury, he co-managed the minor team to county success – it was a huge achievement for such a small club but he nurtured and trained the boys to the highest of standards. The fact that many of that team are on the current senior squad demonstrates his stature and ability at management level.
Seamus played for the county U-21 team in 1998 and subsequently made the senior squad, making his first appearance against Dublin in the National League in February 1999. It was a proud day for the club with all making the trip to the capital to mark the occasion. In June of that year, he made his championship debut against Roscommon. The following month, Seamus suffered the heartbreak of losing his good friend, next-door neighbour and club-mate Gerard Gallagher. As captain of the team, he led the side through what was a very difficult year and once again showed his mantle as they caused the biggest upset of the year when they defeated county champions Aughavas in the Championship.
Three years ago, he lost his own brother Padraig, who like Seamus served at club and county level with an unwavering sense of pride and commitment. The manner in which Seamus took to the field after such personal tragedy demonstrated his inner strength and courage.
Success and cups were limited for Seamus but that mattered little to him – it was about participation and playing alongside his friends. However, he did taste success at underage and U-21 level with the amalgamated Glenmanor team.
Eighteen months ago, he was involved in a serious car accident that left him paralysed from the neck down. Just like everything that Seamus faced throughout his life, defeat was not an option. He accepted his condition and new life without question or anger and that beaming smile rarely left his face. As Father Phair recited during last Saturday morning’s Eulogy, many people visited Seamus to offer comfort and solace yet it was he, through his words of hope and happiness, that many left feeling better and braver. His disability was merely another obstacle and he was unwilling to let it dictate his life and ambitions.
He was humbled and overwhelmed by level of support and generosity shown through the various events organised by The Seamus Dillon Trust Fund. We would like to thank every club and person who contributed to the various events over the last number of months – your contribution made a real difference to his well-being and we are exceptionally grateful for that.
As we face into another football season, we do so with a heavy heart. Seamus instilled a spirit of hope, passion and courage and we vow to carry this in every game. We take some comfort knowing he is with his brother Padraig and Gerard – but it is a very small consolation.
On behalf of the club, we would like to thank the many people who have offered us some comfort in recent days. Thanks to the many clubs and players who participated in the guards of honour, including Seamus’s former county friends who carried his coffin as he made the final trip from his house.
We would like to offer our sincere condolences to Seamus’s heartbroken parents, Jim and Mary Ann, brothers Denis, Thomas, Sean and Francis, his partner, Eimear, extended family and friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.
