Athlone GAA family 'in mourning' over passing of club legend
Eddie Martin, a hugely popular figure in Athlone GAA circles, passed away last Wednesday evening and his funeral will take place tomorrow (Monday).
Eddie was part of the famed Athlone team which won six Westmeath senior football titles in a row from 1955 to 1960. He was Athlone goalkeeper in the county final victories of 1957, '58 and '59.
Eddie was well known for his interest in GAA teams and matches from the past. A true gentleman, he was very helpful in passing on his vast store of knowledge to younger generations. Indeed, this writer often called on Eddie for assistance, as have many others.
Eddie wrote numerous match reports for the Westmeath Independent over the years. When a 50th year anniversary celebration for the Athlone six-in-a-row team was held in 2010, it was Eddie who wrote the citations which outlined the talents and achievements of that renowned collection of players.
Eddie also had a huge interest in hurling and his family have carried on this torch in their turn.
His father John Martin won Westmeath senior hurling medals with Athlone in the early years of the 20th century and indeed had the honour of being the victorious captain. For many years the Southern Gaels club has organised an underage hurling tournament, with the winners receiving the John Martin Cup.
Eddie was involved in the formation of Garrycastle GAA in the early 1980s as he and a number of others felt a second club was needed to cater for the large number of young football players in the Athlone area.
However, Eddie's deep affinity with the blue and white of Athlone never diminished and in time he returned to the club.
Many of Eddie's grandchildren are prominent players with Athlone and Southern Gaels at the moment.
“The Athlone GAA family are in mourning,” said Athlone GAA club in a statement following Eddie's passing. The club said Eddie's memory will live on in Athlone GAA through his grandchildren.
Back in the 1950s, Eddie also played with Castledaly for a brief spell, representing the club in a Westmeath junior football final.
Edward (Eddie) Martin of The Derries, Bonavalley, Athlone, Co. Westmeath died suddenly at home on Wednesday evening, April 7.
Predeceased by his beloved wife Elizabeth (Betty), Eddie will be sadly missed by his loving daughters Catherine and Geraldine, sons John, Eamon, James and Joe, sister Bernadette, in-laws, nephews, nieces, his adoring grandchildren Clíona, Kevin, Maeve, Brendan, Díarmuid, Eamon, Ava, Ciara, Johnny, Liam, Áine, Aisling and Claire, relatives and many friends.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions and in accordance with public health guidelines, a private funeral will take place for family members only.
Those who wish to live stream the Funeral Mass on Monday, April 12 (St Mary's Church, Athlone at 10.30am) can do so via the following link: https://www.churchservices.tv/athlonestmarys
May Eddie rest in peace. Ar dhéis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis.