RIP: Tributes paid to Leitrim 'master craftsman, gentleman and a local GAA legend'

Kinlough Community Development Company and everyone associated with Kinlough Community Centre said it was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Seamus McGowan who sadly passed away to his eternal reward on Friday Oct 31st 2025.

Seamus was elected as the first Chairman of Kinlough Community Development in the late 1960s and by 1974 the Community Centre was up and running. 

A tribute posted by Kinlough Community Development Company noted that Seamus was the driving force behind the project and he was instrumental in raising funds for many years afterwards. The most notable fundraiser was the start of the weekly bingo and it continues successfully to this day.

He followed that up by negotiating the purchase and development of the local community field and home of Melvin Gaels GFC. His energy and enthusiasm continued until the pitch project was completed and officially opened in 1984. Seamus was a proud man when his beloved Leitrim Senior team took on Fermanagh in the challenge match that day.

“There is no doubt Seamus's vision has left a lasting legacy in our community,” the tribute read.

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Sympathies were extended to his son Phil, daughters Breege, Cecilia and Teresa, his brothers and sister, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all his relatives and friends.

A condolence posted on RIP.ie read: "Deepest sympathy to the McGowan family on the passing of Seamus. He was a master craftsman, a gentleman, and a local GAA legend. May he rest in peace.

Another condolence message read: "My deepest sympathy to all the McGowan family on the passing of Seamus.He was a gentleman and I got to know him, through Michael and Leitrim GAA. With Michael he made a huge contribution to Leitrim GAA, always positive, always encouraging. I really enjoyed meeting him at Leitrim and Melvin Gaels matches and missed him from matches in recent times. As the tributes to him point out he left a great legacy to his beloved Melvin Gaels and Kinlough Community. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten".