With the kind permission of the family we are posting this poem written for Des Neylon on his retirement from the Department of Social Welfare some years back. A witty ode written by Jim Collins:

Des Neylon R.I.P.

It was with heavy hearts we learned of the passing of longstanding club member and Townie Des Neylon on Wednesday, October 25th 2023. Des was a staunch and proud Éire Óg man – a former player, club officer and lifelong supporter. Hurling in the streets of Ennis from a very young age, Des was part of an Éire Óg group that earned honours at minor, U21, junior and culminating in senior honours v Whitegate in the 1966 championship.

Following his playing career, Des remained an ever active member, training teams from underage to senior down through the years. From the field to the boardroom, Des served as secretary, chair and President and outside of official roles, Des was active on various committees and is remembered well for his role in fundraising, most recently his running of the clubs annual Ger O’Meara Golf Classic.

The Neylon name is synonymous with Éire Óg, with Des’ Dad Tom having played with the Ennis Dals and also holding the office of Chair and serving as President for the club. His brother Paddy, RIP, played with the club and his sister Marie (Molony) is one of the clubs longstanding lotto sellers as well as being a Thursday night regular at cards in the club.

Des was a strong character, always ready for a chat and a quip and he will be dearly missed by many at the club. We express our deepest condolences to Des’ children, Carole, Thomas and Hilary and their families, and to his sisters Marie Molony and Ann Ferrigan, sister in law Mary and the wider family group.

The club will form a Guard of Honour for Des following his requiem mass which takes place on Monday at 11am in the Cathedral. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal

Here is a link to the ‘My Life and Times-How the GAA Shaped Me’ podcast with Des Neylon and Michael O’Connor. One to treasure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML5tETf0AL8&t=16s

Des guarding the Éire Óg square – 1965 championship final v Newmarket on Fergus

Funeral arrangements from rip.ie (https://rip.ie/death-notice/des-neylon-clare-ennis-533978

Des Neylon, 20 Gallows Hill, Ennis, Co. Clare, 25th Oct. 2023 (peacefully) at home surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his loving wife Margaret and his brothers Paddy and Brendan. Sadly missed by his loving family, children Carole, Thomas and Hilary, sons in law David Frawley and Richard Kelly, daughter in law Aisling, sisters Marie Molony and Ann Ferrigan, sister in law Mary, grandchildren Donnchadha, Ciara, Emily, Alannah, Aoibheann, Oisin, Sam and Saoirse, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours, family and friends

Funeral Arrangements: Reposing at Kennedy’s Funeral Home, Ennis, on Sunday (29th Oct.) from 5 pm until 7 pm. Arriving to Ennis Cathedral on Monday (30th Oct.) for Funeral Mass at 11 am, followed by private cremation.

Family flowers only please, donations if desired, to Milford Community Care

At the launch of the Club Development Plan in 2018. Pat Daly, John O’Halloran RIP, Des Neylon RIP, Pat Fitzpatrick RIP.

Club cleanup day in 2017. Des pictured with Rory Hickey and Martin Nugent.

Des with an Éire Óg group taking part in a panto fundraiser in 1966

Back Row L to R: Pat O Brien, John McAllister, John Dunne, Pakie Sheehan, Jimmy McEnery, Pat Brennan, John Nevin and Jimmy McNamara. Middle Row: Noel Carmody, Gerry ( Stud) Moloney, Bernard McAllister, Paddy Duggan, Michael ( Darby) Cullinan, Des Neylon and James Ball. Front Row: Tommy Brennan and Jamesy Gormley.

Many thanks to Larry Brennan for his assistance in locating photos.