John Lunney

Teemore, Fermanagh

THE passing of John Lunney of Druminiskill, Teemore, after a long and brave fight against illness is still being keenly felt by his family, friends and comrades.
Those who knew John would know of his great and abiding love of our Gaelic culture.  John had a passion for our music and songs, our sports and pastimes, our literature and our history. John recognised the political aspect of our cultural struggle and it was this that fuelled his desire to become a Sinn Féin activist, a task he diligently and expertly fulfilled.
John was active on many marches, especially at the time of the Hunger Strikes. He helped fill in border roads blown up by the British Army and was frequently involved in organising the local commemorations for Jim Murphy. He often attended Bodenstown with his comrades and, like with republicans the length and breadth of the country, he completed all these tasks with good grace, humour and a wonderful energy.
As with any activist, while our thoughts and actions may be formed by international and national developments our efforts close to home must be paramount.
John was both a servant and a leader for his beloved Teemore Shamrocks. For any club or political party to be successful it needs people like John. John tasted league success with Teemore Juniors in 1978 and, five years later, would have the opportunity to return to Druminiskill a champion. Anyone who saw his performances in the 1983 season would have to acknowledge that that teak tough team was built around men of conviction and strength and John delivered on both these fronts.
The sporting success John experienced would be repeated by his son Niall who captained Fermanagh to their first-ever National Hurling minor title success.
In summation, John was a man of conviction, grace and energy who has passed from us and our world is sadder for it. However, the large crowds who attended both the house and the funeral service should leave no one in any doubt that his dedication and service to both his local area and his country has not gone unnoticed. His life will stand as a fitting example to others determined to protect and promote that which makes us who we are.
John will be missed greatly by his immediate family: wife Bernadette, daughter Marcella and sons Daniel, Niall, Finbarr and Peadar and sister Mary. His passing is also felt by his comrades in Leitrim, Fermanagh and west Cavan.