Ex-colleagues unveil plaque in community garden in memory of Sean

Ex-colleagues unveil plaque in community garden in memory of Sean

27 November 2024

A PLAQUE has been unveiled in memory of former Housing Executive employee Sean McCashin.

Former colleagues at the housing organisation’s Downpatrick office where he worked and family members gathered in Ballykinlar last week to unveil the plaque in the village’s community garden.

His wife, Annette, sister, Sharon, and Karen Killen, from the Ballykinlar and Tyrella Community Association, attended the ceremony. 

Mr McCashin (61), passed away a year ago and was also a highly regarded and respected GAA official.

He was a dedicated servant of the GAA and took on a number of roles throughout his lifetime.

Mr McCashin was Down GAA’s delegate to the Ulster Council, PRO of the East Down GAA Board and assistant secretary of the Down LGFA county committee.

He was perhaps best known in later years for his role as a referee, officiating in league and championship fixtures across the county at numerous grades.

Glowing tributes were paid to Mr McCashin following his sudden passing.

Down GAA described the Ballykinlar man as “one of those people who just wanted to serve the GAA to the very best of his abilities” .

It said “Ballykinlar and Down were his outlet in life” and that no task was ever too small for him.

Down GAA added:  “Once asked to take on any role or responsibility, you could be sure that Seán would deliver.

“We are lucky that there are people who only want to give their all for our association and Seán McCashin was one such person, he gave his time willingly to any task and in doing so he helped make a difference for those whom he encountered.

“He was the man most identified with East Down, he championed the cause of East Down and its feeder clubs and worked tirelessly to ensure the betterment of Gaelic Games across the east of the county.”

Ballykinlar GAC also paid tribute to its former player, chairman, administrator and Scór competitor, as well as a team selector when the club won the Junior Football Championship in 1995.