Coolderry GAA Club grieves late Peadar O’Meara - An Appreciation

Coolderry GAA Club and the wider community was plunged into sadness on October 31 when news broke of the death of one of the local stalwarts, Peadar O’Meara, at just 45 years of age, following a brave battle with illness.

From a family steeped in the traditions of the GAA, Peadar dedicated himself to whatever role he took on, whether as a player, coach, selector or club member, never failing to give 100%. As a player, he was a member of the Coolderry team that won the Offaly Feile title in 1990, before later that year going on to win the All-Ireland Community Games title in Mosney, defeating Athenry of Galway 2-7 to 2-6 in the final.

In the Midland Tribune report of that final it described Peadar as: “A small man who caught practically everything and made valuable ball passes to other team mates”. Those words summed up Peadar O’Meara - very much a team player, on and off the field, who only wanted the best for his beloved club Coolderry.

He went on to play in two County Minor finals in 1994 & 95, lining out at full-back on both occasions, as Coolderry went in search of their first ever Minor A title. However, they lost out in both finals to the dominant Kilcormac/Killoughey side of that era. Peadar made his senior debut for Coolderry lining out at corner back against Birr in the first round of the 1997 Senior Championship and was a member of the Coolderry panel that bridged an 18-year gap to win the Senior County Final in 2004, with victory over Birr. In addition, he played on the winning team in two Intermediate finals 2001 and 2005, defeating St Rynagh’s on both occasions. He also coached underage teams in the club and served as a selector for a number of teams.

Off the field, Peadar was very much involved in all club activity and in 2003, when the club decided to run a “Lord Mayor” campaign, 25-year old Peadar was one of the contestants. As part of his campaign, Peadar organised as Threshing Day, which proved so successful that it became an annual event in the parish. In the intervening years, it has raised hundreds of thousands of Euro for projects in the parish as well as local charities. A jovial and at times mischievous character, Peadar was very much a part of everyday life in his local community. Outside of the GAA he liked all sports, with a particular love of snooker, while he also enjoyed a game of cards.

Having trained as a carpenter, Peadar set up his own construction company and built houses near and far, being renowned for his attention to detail and workmanship.

Very much a family man, Peadar had a wonderful relationship with his parents Peter and Madeline and his five siblings, Ursula, Deirdre, Sinead, Edel and Brendan. He was married to Brenda (Parsons) and they were blessed with three wonderful children Caleb, Ruebien and Eden, all of whom he loved dearly.

The esteem in which Peadar was held was evidenced by the multitudes that attended his repose, at his home in Newhall on Thursday evening, at the funeral Mass in Kilcolman on Friday and later at the burial in Coolderry. The guard of honour formed by members past and present of Coolderry GAA club was one of the largest ever seen in the parish.

Peadar’s contribution to Coolderry GAA Club was immeasurable and he will be forever remembered with fondness and gratitude. Deepest sympathy is extended to his wife, children, parents, brothers and sisters extended family and his many many friends. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam Dilis.