An Anniversary Mass is to be held to mark one year since the passing of Armagh footballing legend Sean ‘Dingle’ Daly.
When Sean passed away last year, a massive void was left at Holm Park, the home of Armagh City FC – the club that he loved so well.
This Monday (January 8) will mark one year since his passing and will be recognised with a service in St Malachy’s Church in Armagh at 7:30pm.
Related: Acknowledgement for the late Sean ‘Dingle’ Daly (Armagh)
Sean passed away peacefully in Hamilton Court Care Home. He had been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2019.
He was a stalwart of Armagh City FC, initially as a player and later as a mentor and coach.
A testament to how well he was respected within the club, new signage was erected on the Sean ‘Dingle’ Daly Stand in December ahead of the anniversary.
The father-of-five also played Gaelic football for both Armagh and Tyrone at county levels, and was a member of the All Ireland team of 1977 which took on Dublin.
Ahead of the Anniversary Mass, his daughter Nichola told Armagh I: “It’s hard to believe it’s been a year. We miss our dad greatly and his quick wit greatly. He is forever in our thoughts.
“But he’s now reunited with our wonderful mum who he worshipped. That gives some comfort.”
She added: “A huge thanks to my dad’s wonderful close friends for their support over the past year, they have been amazing. It demonstrates the strong bonds and connections they had, that they continue them with us.
“How wonderful they have been to us over the past year is a testament to the friendships they had built since a young age. I have enjoyed the stories & reminiscing over the past week when catching up with them. Among many things, he was a great father, husband, grandfather and friend. We all miss him greatly, but he is forever in our hearts.
“Last month saw Armagh City [FC] make a poignant recognition, ahead of his first anniversary and I know how delighted and proud he would be, as are we. My father’s legacy lives on in many aspects and watching Eoin Toal’s [Armagh-born footballer] success is evident of this.”
In the early 1970s, Sean joined Armagh City FC, then known as Milford Everton, where he made nearly 300 appearances for the club, scoring 65 goals.
Even though he was a midfielder, he was the leading goal scorer for three seasons from 1975 to 1979.
He was also joint manager of the first team for a year in 1982-1983.
When the youth set-up began in 2000, he began coaching some of the youngest children and was presented with Clubman of the Year in 2013-2014 in recognition of his efforts.
Read more: Armagh City FC erect new signage in honour of club legend Sean ‘Dingle’ Daly
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