Death of first Offaly man to lift Leinster Senior Football trophy

The death has taken place of an iconic Offaly football figure, Donie Hanlon.

The Gracefield man achieved immortality as the first Offaly man to lift the Leinster SFC Cup in 1960, when he scoed the winning point, and he was full forward in the All Ireland SFC final defeat by Down in 1961.

An accurate forward who scored important points and goals, Donie Hanlon played over 30 league and championship games for Offaly from 1958 to 1964. He won Offaly SFC medals with St Patrick's, a Gracefield-St Mary's combination, and Gracefield in 1959 and 1961.

He was a crucial part of the first great Offaly football side and his late brother Jimmy also made a great contribution to Offaly and Gracefield GAA.

He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Regional Hospital Tullamore. He is survived by his loving wife Celine, daughter Anne, grandsons Donal and Gearóid, son-in-law Kevin, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends, to all of whom deeepest sympathy is extended.

Gracefield GAA Club paid tribute stating, "A sad day in Gracefield today as we got the news of the passing of Donie Hanlon.

Donie was the first Offaly man to lift the Leinster Senior Football Championship in 1960 and was a central figure on Offaly teams for many years. Just before Christmas we held our Dinner Dance and Presentation to our County Championship winning teams of 1970 and 1972 and Leinster Championship winning team of 1971 and it was great to see Donie present on the night with his family. We pass on our condolences to Celine, Anne and Kevin, Donal and Georóid and the extended Hanlon family."

His remains will repose at his residence (eircode R32 Y0C3) on Thursday evening from 6pm with Rosary at 9pm. Reposing at his residence on Friday from 2:30pm until 5pm (family time thereafter). Removal at 6pm arriving St Michael's Church, Portarlington at 6:30pm. Requiem Mass on Saturday morning at 11am. Funeral afterwards to St Michael's Cemetery, Portarlington.

His Requiem Mass will be streamed live on https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/st-michaels-church-portarlington

May He Rest In Peace.