DEATH OF MR. “JOYCE” CONLAN

Leinster Leader, 7 March  1953

Noted Kildare Footballer

Death of Mr. “Joyce” Conlan.

By the death of Mr. Frank Conlan, Edward St., Droichead Nua, which occurred on Saturday last, one of the few remaining links with the most brilliant chapter of Kildare’s football history has been broken. “Joyce” as he was known throughout the county, was one of the greatest footballers the county ever produced; his comparatively sudden demise occasioned the deepest regret.

Deceased, who was 69 years, was a native of Droichead Nua, and came from a family widely known in football circles. He first played competitive football at the age of 17; his keen interest was apparent when, in co-operation with the late Jack Murray, he founded the Roseberry Club, forerunner of the present county champions, Sarsfields.

In 1903 he was a member of the Kildare team which figured in the famous “three-match” All-Ireland final against Kerry. The All-Ireland medal which eluded him was captured in 1905; fourteen years later, in 1919, the brilliant left corner forward gained All-Ireland honours for the second time.

In 1907, 1912 and 1915 he won county championship medals with the Roseberry team, and in the course of his long playing career he gained many provincial and tournament honours with Kildare.

When for a period his work took him to Portlaoighise he helped to reorganise the Laoighis football and hurling teams; playing the county team he won Leinster medals under both codes. Strangely enough, the football medal was won when Laoighis beat Kildare for the time first time ever, in the Leinster final.

A member of the I.R.A., he was engaged in the struggle for freedom and when he joined the National Army, he was appointed Quartermaster Accountant of Transport in Droichead Nua. He remained in the railway service until retiring four years ago; on his retirement he was appointed weighmaster for the Droichead Nua Commissioners.

Throughout his life he took a very keen interest in civil affairs, and for a period of about 13 years was a Labour member of the Town Commissioners.

The characteristics for which he was noted on the football field-clean play and sportsmanship-he applied to everyday life; yet for one who was so intensely active he somehow managed to give the impression of being a quiet, easy-going nature: an impression mainly conveyed through his unfailing good humour and equitable temperament. His interest in his favourite game never flagged. Young players who sought his valuable advice found him willing and anxious to help, and he never missed an opportunity of watching a match in the local park.

The esteem in which he was held was reflected in the huge attendance at the removal of the remains and at the funeral of St. Conleth’s Cemetery on Monday. Right Rev. Monsignor W. Miller, P.P, V.F., assisted by Red. T. Hughes, C.C., officiated at the graveside.

Chief mourners were Mrs. Brigid Conlan (widow); Pierce, Frank, Brendan and Dermot (sons); Mrs. Sean Leamy (daughter); James, Thomas, Patrick and Joseph (brothers); Mrs. J. Carey, Mrs. P Gorman, Miss M. Conlan (sisters), Mr. S. Leamy (son-in-law); Mrs. P. Conlan, Mrs. Dermot Conlan (daughters-in-law); Mr. John Carey, Mr. Patrick Gorman (brothers-in-law); Mrs. P. Conlan, Wexford (sister-in-law): nephews and nieces.