Hi all,

For those of you who may not have seen this on the Vale Star recently.

Seamus Sexton (1935-2018)

Bruree, Co. Limerick.

The parish of Rockhill Bruree was saddened by the recent death of James (Seamus) Sexton, Water Street, Bruree. Shamie was the second eldest of 10 children of Mick and Elizabeth Sexton in the western part of the parish and was a half twin. Born and raised in Ballytigue, Shamie spent most of his life in his native parish.

With a surname like Sexton and being the son of the legendary Mick, it was inevitable that Shamie, as he was known to everyone, would be involved in gaelic games. Shamie was part of the successful Bruree side of the late 1950s/early 1960s, often playing alongside his father, Mick, and his brothers, Michael and Johnny. He played both as a defender and a forward, scoring a goal in the 1957 South final victory over Garryspillane. This period of success culminated with Bruree winning the County Junior Hurling title in 1966 and Shamie was part of that celebrated team. He was also part of the club administration for many years, serving a couple of terms as club secretary in the 1960s and 1970s. He was club chairman for a period in the 1980s and was elected Honorary Life President in the late 1990s. Shamie also served as a county hurling selector in 1979 and was vice-chairman of the South Board for a term. He was heavily involved in Bord na nÓg along with other great Gaels like Padraigh Ó Loinsigh, Jim Llyod, John Naughton, Charlie Farrell, Matt O'Callaghan etc. Shamie was involved in all aspects of gaelic games at divisional and county level. He was a respected referee, helped organise the Scór competitions and he knew An Treoir Oifigiúil inside out. Any question, no matter how intricate or obscure, on the rules of the Association, Shamie was your man to provide the answer. He was the first person to promote what was then the Mackey Draw in Bruree and was very involved in the Bruree GAA/Rockhill Rovers lotto over the past twenty five years.

In spite of the huge amount of time he devoted to the GAA, Shamie was involved in other voluntary activities. In the 1960s he was part of the group who developed Bruree sportsfield. He also volunteered with the Chernobyl Children's Project, helping with fund raising and with the preparation of the humanitarian aid convoy. And on one occasion he stepped in at short notice to drive with convoy to Belarus. It was on this trip that he visited Vesnova orphanage and, on his return home, was deeply involved in raising over €70,000 for essential works at the orphanage.

Shamie was a dedicated family man and was very proud of his own children and his extended family and of their achievements. As weell as being a great family and community man, he was a great neighbour. If you needed something done or fixed, a phone call to Shamie and he was on his way to help out. Shamie's sporting interest did not end at GAA – he was a staunch Manchester United supporter and would be glued to the television when the Reds were playing. He enjoyed his regular game of 45 and was an astute player. On social occasions, Shamie could be prevailed upon to sing a song or two.

The world is all the poorer for Shamie's passing. We extend our sympathy to his sons and daughters, his brother and sisters, his extended family and his wide circle of friends. Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam dilis.