A Co Armagh GAA club have paid tribute to a stalwart and legend following his untimely passing on Sunday.
Frank McParland, who was 68, won titles as a player, assistant and manager with Granemore over a span of three decades.
He was a distinguished underage player and his debut campaign with the senior team in 1971, he was part of the history making side which won the Junior championship – the club’s first ever county title.
He was part of the team – at corner forward – that lost the 1980 Intermediate final.
Frank played up until the end of the 1980’s before coming on board to assist the then manager, Colm Marley.
It was under their guidance that Granemore collected the second of their Junior crowns in 1990.
Frank naturally progressed into the manager’s role the following season. He helped guide the Club to its first ever Intermediate crown in 1991.
Frank, usually decked out in a tracksuit for most matchdays, donned his Sunday best for that final in 1990, stating he had done his bit, that it was up to the boys to do theirs – and they did!
He managed the team up until 1993 before helping out at underage for a number of years afterwards.
He will be remember as a great player, assistant manager, manager, supporter and sponsor of the club, but most of all, he will be remember as a great person.
Not only was he highly respected within the club and community, but he too was a man of integrity and a character well thought-of in the parish and beyond. His smile and laughter lit up many a room. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Frank was the beloved husband of Bernadette and loving father to Kevin, John, Francis, James and Jenny.
His remains will leave his late residence 112 Armagh Road, Newtownhamilton on Tuesday to arrive at St Mary’s Church Granemore for 2pm funeral mass. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Deeply regretted by his loving wife, sons, daughter, grandchildren, brothers Donald and Peter, sisters Eilish, Ann, Geraldine, Margaret and Kathleen, daughters in law and the entire family circle.
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if so desired to Pulmonary Fibrosis N.I c/o any family member or Mone Funeral Directors 22a Lower Clea Road Keady BT60 3HR
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