Laois GAA club pays tribute to 'great' gaelic games 'giant'

Park Ratheniska GAA guard of honour followed the hearse at the funeral of the late Eddie Mansworth.

placeholder image — Park Ratheniska GAA guard of honour followed the hearse at the funeral of the late Eddie Mansworth.

Park Ratheniska GAA honours its late Club Joint Preident Eddie Mansworth

Park Ratheniska GAA Club has paid tribute to one of its most respected and longest-serving members, its Joint club President, the 'great Eddie Mansworth'.

Edward (Eddie) Mansworth died peacefully in his 95th year on June 22 in the loving care of the staff of the Slieve Bloom Ward at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

His lifelong GAA clubman paid tribute to the club stalwart in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"Men like Eddie Mansworth populate every club in Ireland, and their passing takes from us something intangible. A forever present figure, he was known and beloved by everyone who pulled on the green and gold jersey, young and old. He had a kind word to say for everyone, and a moment to chat with all and sundry. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Alongside former teammates Har, Paddy and John Ramsbottom at the 2011 Leinster Final in Ratheniska.

"Eddie’s place in the club's folklore was assured in the 50’s when he stood between the posts for the great Park teams back-to-back Senior County title wins in 1952 and 1953. Indeed, Neddy kept clean sheets in three Laois County Finals in the 50s, no mean feat given as one club stalwart put it “the sheer bloody murder” that more often than not accompanied high balls into the box back in those days.

"Somewhat small in stature, Eddie was a giant, however, when it came to tending house and with solid men around, he formed a fearsome backline that was not easily crossed. Eddie's performances earned him a call-up for Laois around this time, and indeed lined out alongside three of his clubmen in the blue and white, one of his greatest honours, as he said himself. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Eddie as part of the great Back to Back Winning Park Senior Football team of 1952/1953 - front row middle.

"Eddie was a clubman first and foremost and was never far away when the call was needed. He was proud to serve again alongside some of his old teammates when he took on the role of club Joint President over the past decade or so and gloried in recent successes for the club. He was incredibly proud of the club's new home in Ratheniska, helping with its development from start to finish, and it gave him great satisfaction to see the club host and win Leinster Finals in hurling and football.

"Digging out the foundation of our clubhouse back in the 1990s And it was especially satisfying for him to see the Club in recent years win county titles in Junior in both codes and Intermediate Football, as he did himself in the 40s (he played full forward in this win in 47, with Paddy Morrin in goal on that occasion), and return to senior back in 2021.

Digging out the Foundation of the Clubhouse back in the 1990s

"Eddie is especially well remembered by our Ladies Gaelic Football Club, whom he was always a great supporter of, particularly in their early days. Eddie was happy to help the fledgling club, dutifully putting out the flags for games, and never afraid of technology, he manned the electronic scoreboard for all their matches. Technology did not daunt him!

"When the Ladies Club needed more sets of jerseys and Lyons tea had a promotion offering half-price sets, Eddie collected the tokens for our campaign and delivered them every week at Mass. A club man through and through.

"His passing sees another link to our past depart, but he leaves behind an incredible legacy, ensuring the name Eddie Mansworth will be forever remembered in Park Ratheniska and its surrounds.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," concluded the tribute. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Celebrating the return to the Laois Senior club ranks in 2021.

Eddie was predeceased by his loving wife Ann, his twin brother Mattie, his older brother Dick and sister-in-law Breda.

He is was dearly beloved uncle to Eamon, Paula, Olivia, Zita, Orlaith, John, Ray and Fergal, his sisters-in-law Margaret (Kelly), Bridie (Murphy), grandnephews Séamus, Ruaidhrí, Richard, Kian, Tadgh, Ruairí, Orán, Sean and Conor, great-grandnephew Tom, extended family, neighbours and his many friends.

His remains reposed at the Presentation Chapel, Stradbally with Requiem Mass celebrated in The Holy Cross Church, Ratheniska on June 22 followed by interment to follow in the adjoining cemetery.