Shamrock Rovers lifelong supporter Sean was a great neighbour and unique man
By Maurice Garvey
SHAMROCK Rovers FC have paid tribute to ‘lifelong supporter’ Sean O'Flaherty (89), who passed away on January 26.
The Ballyfermot great-grandfather was a Hoop back in the Milltown days, and affectionately remembered by fans this week for his commitment to the club.
Sean O’Flaherty
Mr O’Flaherty was also known as a ‘pioneer’ in his Cloiginn Park community - a master builder who worked on the chimney stack of Cherry Orchard Hospital in the 1950s.
A statement by the League of Ireland club said: “All at Shamrock Rovers FC offer our deepest condolences to the O’Flaherty family at the passing of club member and a proud lifelong supporter Sean O’Flaherty.
“A Main Stand regular in Tallaght Stadium, Sean was a Hoop back in Milltown and enjoyed many great times supporting his beloved Rovers. A joyful day was had by all the O’Flaherty’s in November 2019 when Sean arranged for the whole family to attend the cup final and see the Hoops win the cup for the first time in 32 years.
“Sean will be missed by his many friends at the club. His legacy will live on at Rovers with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren all Rovers fans. May he rest in peace.”
Many fans posted touching tributes to ‘club legend’ and ‘gentleman’ Sean, including some of his grandchildren, who said their grandfather was ‘happiest’ when talking about the Hoops.
Originally from Ushers Quay, Mr O’Flaherty moved to Ballyfermot when he married his wife Eileen, raising eight children.
He was on his street committee, board of Management Caritas College, and according to residents who knew him, “a great gardener, reader, neighbour and a unique man”.
An article about Sean for a club magazine 14 years ago, stated he attended his first Rovers game in the early 1940s.
Sean said a favourite moment was in April 1984 when Pat Byrne lifted the first of four in a row league titles.
A message on RIP.ie said Sean’s family wanted to thank the “wonderful team at TLC Maynooth who lovingly cared for him especially during these difficult times of Covid regulations.”
A private family funeral took place on Sunday in line with government advice regarding public gatherings.
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