Funeral details for the late Tony McGovern, London and Aughavas

Funeral details have been released by the family of the late Tony McGovern, Mac’s Farm, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, UK and Bundarra, Aughavas, Co Leitrim who passed away on January 1, 2024, peacefully at home.

Tony is very sadly missed by his beloved wife Bernadette, children Anthony, Anita and Tara, son-in-law Ramon and grandchildren Niamh, Aisling, Eoin, Isabella, Calum and Keira, brothers Tom and Gerry, extended family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Annie and Patrick, brothers Fr. Andy, Paddy-Joe, Peter, James and sisters Maureen and Brigid.

Tony's remains will arrive to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bull Lane, Chalfont St. Peter SL9 8RY on Friday, January 19, for 11am Requiem Mass. No flowers please. Donations if desired to Yes to Life via www.justgiving.com/page/tonymcgovern

The late Tony McGovern RIP.

In an article in the London newspaper, The Irish World, wide-ranging tributes were paid to the popular Willesden businessman who died on New Year’s Day.

David Hennessy wrote: Mr McGovern, originally from Aughavas in County Leitrim, started his business empire in north-west London with the McGovern Brothers haulage firm on Dudden Hill Lane near Willesden and Neasden.

Over the years he bought up several local properties including yards as well as pubs, and other businesses.

He accumulated extensive interests in and around Willesden, Kilburn and Cricklewood.

He retained an interest in the long-established and popular McGovern’s pub in Willesden, named after him.

With his wife, Bernadette, he supported many charities and causes among the local Irish community here and in his native Leitrim.

He was a major sponsor of both London and Leitrim GAA. London’s home ground in Ruislip, McGovern Park, is named after

Tony and Bernadette after he paid for the naming rights.

The Leitrim GAA McGovern Aughavas Centre of Excellence is also named after him.

A year ago, Tony’s brother James McGovern who lived in Ireland and was also a major sponsor of Leitrim GAA, died.

London-based Tony supported the local Leitrim Association, Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS), the London Irish Vintage Day in Greenford and other local, community-based charities.

The chair of London GAA John Doyle said: “Tony was an integral part of the fundraising team for the Ruislip development and each year was involved with London GAA float at the annual London St Patrick’s day parade through central London.

Mike McGing of Brent Irish Advisory Service said: “We would like to thank Tony and family for all their support over many decades supporting the Brent Irish Advice Service and the Irish community.

“Tony helped the Irish community in so many ways both by helping with employment in the ‘50s and ‘60s when times were hard for the Irish community, he’s helped a variety of other charities.

“When there has been hardships for families, he and the family arranged to help those families with funeral arrangements and other key areas.

“He was a great man. They don’t make them like Tony anymore.”

Brendan Vaughan, founder and organiser of London Irish Vintage Day, said: “You couldn’t get a more decent human being and he’s going to be a big miss, a big void in the London-Irish community. He did so much and there’s so much he’s done that people don’t even know about.”

Former Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) chair Lucia Butler said: “He was a very loyal friend to many. He did a lot for charity both in London and in Leitrim and never wanted to be acknowledged for any of it.”

Michael Curry of the Leitrim Association of London said: “Tony was such a generous benefactor to us through the years. He did a lot for the GAA in London, as well as the GAA at home in Ireland. “He’ll be a huge loss to London as well as our Leitrim Association.”

In 1994 the McGovern Brothers were Leitrim’s sponsors when the county became Connacht Champions.

In 2000 their homeland club Aughavas, which they sponsored, won the Leitrim Senior Championship after a gap of 34 years.

As sponsors to this day, the McGovern name remains on the club’s jerseys.

In July 2008, the McGoverns paid for new club facilities for Aughavas including dressing rooms and a gym to be dedicated to the memory of their late brother, Paddy Joe.

When the county team’s home ground Pairc Mac Diarmada was redeveloped the main stand was named after the McGoverns as The McGovern Stand or Ardan Mhic Shamhrain.

Tony and Bernadette McGovern sponsored the Leitrim GAA’s McGovern Centre of Excellence for what will be the home of Leitrim GAA for years to come.

May he Rest In Peace.