‘Captain’ Niall was highly regarded at GAA Club
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A STALWART of St Anne’s GAA Club in Bohernabreena, who passed away on Monday, has been fondly remembered as an unwavering supporter of the club, and a popular and well-liked man.
Niall Callery, who lived in St Maelruans Park and passed away in Tallaght University Hospital on Monday at age 84, was a committed member of St Anne’s for decades and his children, Julie, Alison, Tracy, Stuart, Niall, Barry and Carl, all played for the club.
St Anne’s stalwart Niall Callery from St Maelruans
While his unwavering support for the club was a key part of his life, Niall’s top priority in life was his family, including his wife Sheila, who sadly passed away in 2015, and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Orla Callery, Niall’s daughter-in-law, told The Echo: “He was a gentleman. He was very friendly and very popular. He was also known by everyone as Captain.
“He was a lifelong member of St Anne’s, and was very involved in the club’s teams in the early 70s, and he brought players to Parnell Park to train.
“He was very highly regarded, and he was a huge supporter of the Dubs.
“The club was his life. When he was in the club, he wouldn’t look for attention, but he was so popular that people would just flock to him.”
Niall battled throat cancer for several years, and underwent major surgery to have his voice box removed several months ago.
“He fought very bravely,” explained Orla, “and he always tried to talk to people [after the operation].”
Gerry Anderson, the vice-chairman of St Anne’s, said he remembers Niall as “one of the longest-standing members of the club”, who was well-liked by his peers.
“He was very loyal, and his support for the club over the years was unwavering,” he said.
“He was a man of great integrity. In a world where loyalty is fickle, he was a beacon of loyalty in the club.
“He’ll be sadly missed. He had a great sense of humour and a great sense of fun.
“On behalf of the club, I’d like to pass on my condolences to Niall’s family.”
Niall’s funeral mass was held on Thursday morning, and was followed by burial in Bohernabreena Cemetery.
