Eugene Leonard - A Tribute

Christmas 2022 will be remembered, with great sadness, by the membership of Celbridge GAA due to the passing of one of its finest and most influential members, Eugene Leonard.

Trying to sum up Eugene’s life, and his contribution to society in general would require much more thorough research. However, for us in Celbridge GAA, we were extremely fortunate that this proud Galway man decided to set up his family home in Celbridge in the late 1970’s. It was obvious from the earliest meetings with Eugene that there was something special about him, he was always welcoming and curious to get to know people by way of developing relationships rather than being intrusive. Eugene worked in the construction industry for most of his life and despite the macho image associated with many in that industry, Eugene also displayed a sensitive and emotional side, your typical “Gentle Giant”.

Celbridge GAA owes an enormous debt of gratitude to Eugene, it would be easy to point to the rendering on the exterior of the Club pavilion and consider that as his contribution to our club, however that alone would be doing Eugene a grave injustice. During the campaigns that were organised in the early 1990’s to raise funds for the construction of our Club pavilion, Eugene’s influence was invaluable. The term “Networking” may not have been in general use at that time, but Eugene had his own unique brand of the concept. With due respect to all the volunteers at that time, it is difficult to recall anybody coming close to the numbers that Eugene influenced to become members of our club and support our fundraising efforts.

A photograph, circulating on social media, of a group of members celebrating the opening of our club bar in 1995 shows Eugene’s glass raised highest of all.  He was enormously proud of his adopted club and the roles that he and his family played in its development. As the club continued to grow Eugene was ever present, as a member of the executive, enthusiastic supporter of all teams and the central character at all social events. No party would be complete until Eugene arrived dressed to the nines, his sense of fun was infectious, and surrounded by his fellow tribesmen, Eugene was in his element.

Aside from the club, Eugene was a committed family man who was never shy in expressing his pride in his family and their various achievements. To his wife Eileen, and family members Ronan, Aoife, Sinead, Eoghan, Niall, extended family and numerous friends, we wish to express heartfelt sympathies from all at Celbridge GAA.

We have lost a very special friend.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

 Many thanks to all that contributed.

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All members of Celbridge GAA Club are invited to form a guard of honour for Eugene on Thursday December 29th.

Assembly after requiem mass at St. Patrick's Church from 12.40pm to line Main Street from the church in the direction of Donaghcumper cemetry.

Wear club colours please.