Longford and Carrickedmond GAA mourns sad death of 'Big D' - decorated player, respected coach and dedicated administrator

Longford and Carrickedmond GAA is this week mourning the sad death of Dermot McCormack - 'Big D', who passed to his eternal reward on Sunday following a brave battle against cancer. 

In a lovely tribute posted on their club Facebook page, Carrickedmond GAA hailed the legacy of a man who will be missed by all, describing him as a decorated player, respected coach and dedicated administrator. 

"Big D was a huge presence in the Club and his love of Carrickedmond and the GAA shone through in all he did."

Pre-deceased by his mother Margaret and brother Justin, Dermot lay in repose at Glennon’s Funeral Home, Longford town this evening. 

He will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his heartbroken wife and best friend Charlotte, his beloved sons James, Ben and Aaron, father Jim, sisters Marie Cassidy, Paula and Mairead Tarrant, brother Seamus, mother-in-law Liz, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

Mass of the Resurrection for Dermot will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 17 at 1pm in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Carrickedmond, followed by interment afterwards in Carrickedmond Cemetery.

The following is the text of the Carrickedmond GAA tribute to the late Dermot ;

On the 14th of May 2023 all in our Club were deeply saddened with the news of the passing of Dermot Mc Cormack. Dermot has served Carrickedmond GAA Club for over 50 years as a player, coach, administrator and supporter. Dermot was a GAA man to the core.

Over many years Dermot had an active role in Carrickedmond GAA and throughout that time the warmth, friendly and caring nature of Dermot as a person was clear to be seen by all. Big D was a huge presence in the Club and his love of Carrickedmond and the GAA shone through in all he did.

Dermot attended Colehill National School, Ballymahon Vocational School and St Mel's College in his earlier years and represented all with distinction. He played for Carrickedmond Minor Club in the early 80’s and enjoyed considerable success.

Work brought Dermot to England in his twenties and his GAA career continued while there.

Dermot returned to Ireland in the mid 90’s and for the next number of years Dermot played at midfield for the Club. When the Club won the Intermediate Championship and Division 2 League double in 2001, Dermot played a pivotal role and was awarded the accolade of Man of the Match in the 2001 Intermediate Football Championship final.

As the Club progressed to Senior Dermot played a vital role in helping to develop our younger players in their early days of Senior football. This mentoring role continued when Dermot extended his career well into his 40’s and he played in the Junior A Championship final of 2009 and 2010 again at midfield. Dermot also had a very successful career with Longford Masters for a number of years.

At both Minor and Senior level Dermot was actively involved with teams in Carrickedmond and Carrick Sarsfields. Dermot coached at age groups from under 8 to under 18 level and brought his skills and generosity of spirit to all teams he was involved with. There were many highlights during Dermot’s involvement including trips to Feile in Kerry, Mayo and the UK.

Many competitions were won including the under 16 County Championship in 2016. Every team that Dermot was involved with benefited from his passion, his knowledge but most of all from the care and respect for each member of each team he was involved with and how much he wanted the very best both on and off the field for everyone involved.

At Senior level Dermot was involved as a selector and as part of Senior Management for many years from 2006 onwards.

Dermot worked with many managers throughout his time and was always a positive force around the teams. Highlights include Intermediate Football Championship wins in 2010 and 2014 and Division 2 Leagues success in 2009, 2014 and 2017.

Dermot joined the Executive of Carrickedmond GAA Club in the mid 2000’s and over the last 20 years he served in many roles including Vice Chairman, Irish Officer, Development Officer, Committee member and for 3 years between 2007 and 2009 he served as Chairman. Throughout his time Dermot was influential and enthusiastic in promoting GAA to as many as possible, having as many playing and enjoying their football within the parish and ensuring that all involved had the best facilities possible to show their talents.

In 2009 as Chairman Dermot led our celebrations of La na gClub - 125 years of GAA – which was a significant day in the Club’s history. Dermot was always on hand to get behind fundraisers or events such as super draws, weekly lotto and many more. When the Club undertook our major fundraiser Lipsync in 2019 Dermot was actively involved both on and off the stage. His performance in the show brought joy to all who were present and Dermot thoroughly enjoyed his time on stage over the 2 night show.

Among other interests of Dermot in the Community he had given his time to Community Games, the Pastoral Council, Carrickedmond Church Choir and many farming organisations. His volunteerism was to be seen throughout the Community. Dermot was always on hand to help within the Community and gave his time and skills to so many, always with a smile and a chat.

On 14th May 2023 Carrickedmond GAA lost a member who will be hugely missed. A man who’s legacy and service to the Club is remembered fondly by all – a man who served our Club as a decorated player, a respected coach and a dedicated administrator.

His spirit will always live on in Carrickedmond GAA.

To Dermot’s wife Charlotte, sons James, Ben, Aaron, father Jimmy, brother Seamus, sisters Marie, Paula & Mairead and all the extended Mc Cormack family we extend our deepest sympathies on your very sad loss.

Mass of the Resurrection takes place on Wednesday, May 17 at 1pm in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Carrickedmond. Interment afterwards in Carrickedmond Cemetery.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Longford Masters GAA will be holding a guard of honour for Dermot McCormack at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Carrickedmond. Please be there for 12:20 pm to join the guard of honour, if you have any Longford colours, please wear them. For details please call James on 086 2513837 pic.twitter.com/6CEB4YZmaf

— Longford GAA (@OfficialLDGAA) May 16, 2023