Offaly GAA is mourning the death of Martin Heavey of Rhode, a key member of the Senior Football team that brought glory to the county in the early 1970’s.
Martin wore the no. 7 jersey with distinction as Offaly won the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time in 1971 and remained a key figure on the half-back line when the Leinster and All-Ireland titles were retained in 1972. He secured a third provincial medal in 1973 but, that year, Offaly lost the All-Ireland semi-final to Galway.
In total, Martin lined out on 38 occasions for Offaly at Senior level, between League and Championship. He made his debut versus Wicklow in the League in October 1967 and his final game was against Kerry in December 1973. With his Club, he won three Senior Football Championship titles in the 1960’s.
A hugely respected person in Rhode and throughout Offaly, Martin’s pleasant manner endeared him to everyone he met.
After his retirement from playing, Martin continued his involvement with the GAA in Rhode as a coach and mentor, with his dedication to the development of young players particularly noteworthy. He loved attending games at all levels and his family carried on the tradition as talented footballers themselves.
Offaly County Board Chairperson, Michael Duignan said he was saddened to learn that another legendary player from the 1971 and 1972 teams had passed away. “I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Martin’s family, relatives and friends,” he said. “Martin will long be remembered in Rhode and Offaly for his performances with the ground-breaking Senior Football team of the early ‘70s. He made an enormous contribution to Gaelic football, both on and off the field, and on top of that, was such a nice person.”
Late of E.S.B. Martin will be deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving family: wife Geraldine, children Eimear, Ronan, Ciarán and Orlagh, grandchildren Sam, Fin, Jack, Charlotte, Millie, Willow-Jane and Louie, sons-in-law Andy and Gary, daughters-in-law Lorna and Mairead, sisters Mary-Brigid (Brazil) and Margaret (Doherty), sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and especially the members of the Offaly 1971 & 1972 All Ireland winning teams.
Martin will repose at Larkin’s Funeral Home Edenderry this Tuesday from 3pm with removal to St Peter’s Church, Rhode at 6.15pm arriving for 7 o’clock prayer service. His Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday at 12 noon, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
By Offaly PRO Mon 5th Aug
