Tributes paid to Leitrim man, the late James McGovern

Tributes have been paid to well known Aughavas man and GAA supporter James McGovern.
James sadly passed away at his home in Dublin on Sunday.

Ballinamore's Tommy Moran stated “Heartbroken at the passing of my long time dear friend James and heartbroken for the loss he is to his darling wife Peggy and to the tightly knit McGovern family and wider family circle. James and Peggy were the ideal couple, together and of one mind always. Mere words cannot express their generosity of spirit that stretched to so many causes and to so many people and organisations - Leitrim GAA, Longford and Mostrim GAA, Leitrim Associations in London, New York and elsewhere, Parnell’s GAA Club, the sporting clubs of their grandchildren and the Church and Parish of Aughavas and especially the Aughavas GAA Club of which all the McGoverns have been so proud ever since their early days in Bundarragh.

“They never lost their passion for the home soil. Sincere sympathy to the McGovern clan and thinking of Tony, Tom and Gerry, James, you will reap your rewards up above. Sleep soundly.”

Aughavas GAA said “Aughavas GAA and all around Aughavas and Leitrim and farther afield are saddened to hear of the death of James McGovern, Griffith Avenue, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, formerly Aughavas. James was a member of the McGovern family and main sponsors of Aughavas GAA Club. His keen interest and dedication to our Club and Parish is legendary.”

Eamonn Duignan, Mohill and Dublin Leitrim GAA Supporters Club “So sad to hear this sad news. A great man who loved his native Aughavas and of course Leitrim. James and the McGovern family contributed so much to Leitrim over a lifetime and were always willing to help and assist in whatever way they could. James and his brothers sponsored the Leitrim County Team over many years and of course were so proud to have the family name of the jersey when Leitrim won the Connacht Championship in 1994.

Joe and Cait Reynolds, Eslin also paid tribute saying “He was a true gentleman and a proud Leitrim man. The generous support of James and his brothers for Leitrim GAA helped greatly to bring about the 1994 Connacht win and fulfil the dreams of so many Leitrim people... great memories for Leitrim people everywhere. Thanks James. May you rest in peace.”

Mostrim GAA further stated “We are deeply grateful to the support we have received from Jimmy down through the years and of course Jimmy has been Vice-President of our club for a number of years.”

James' funeral takes place today, Wednesday at St Vincent de Paul Church, Marino with burial afterwards in Dardistown Cemetery.