25/08/2026
It is with great sadness that Ballymahon GAA records the passing of Frank McGann, Terlicken.
Frank was one of a quintet of brothers (Harry, Padraig, Michael, Liam and Frank) to represent the club from the 1950s to the 1980s, with Frank's own contribution spanning across those four decades.
Schoolboy representation was Frank's first involvement with the club in the 1950's, where the team reached the county semi-final in 1959.
He was right half-forward on the juvenile team that reached the county final in 1961, where they lost out to Granard, but did pick up the 9-a-side league title in 1962 and were unlucky not to make it two in a row the following year.
By 1963, he had made his debut for the senior team – while still eligible for the juvenile grade. He had also come to the attention of the county selectors and represented Longford u-16s.
In 1964, Frank was a prominent forward in Ballymahon's first win in the senior championship since 1953, beating Carrickedmond to reach a semi-final.
Ballymahon were specialists in the 9-a-side format during those years and followed up their juvenile success with a minor league in 1964.
Frank had a keen eye for goal, no matter where he was deployed on the field. He scored 2-1 against Drumlish from midfield in the u-21 championship and also bagged 4-5 against Westmeath at county minor grade.
Frank represented our club on the county stage at all levels and was a part of the history-making panel that captured our only Leinster senior title in 1968. The previous year, Frank had played for the county u-21, junior and senior teams which marked a rapid ascent in the eyes of the county selectors.
Frank played a huge role in bringing the first county intermediate title to the town, and scored our only goal when we beat Colmcille by a point in 1969.
The 70's were lean in terms of silverware but Frank was a pivotal player in the successful promotion bid to Division 1 in 1977. In 1981, now operating at full back, he had an outstanding game as Ballymahon captured their first county silverware in 12 years by winning the Division 2A final. Frank continued to represent the club at junior level throughout the 1980's.
Off the field, he also made a huge contribution to our club and served as treasurer, vice-chairman and chairman. He was also a referee of some note in the county. Frank was a mentor for numerous adult and underage teams and was as dependable in the boardroom and the sideline as he was on the pitch.
Frank also excelled in other sporting spheres, particularly rugby and golf, and was always generous in steering newcomers to the game of golf in the right direction.
Frank was a tremendous raconteur, and you always came away with a smile on your face after a conversation with him.
We extend our sympathy to his beloved wife Kathleen, sons, and former players, Pádraig and Frankie, daughters Karen, Suzanne and Rebecca, his sons and daughters in law, and his grandchildren.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.
