Cavan GAA

Death of Fergus McCauley

There was sadness in Cavan GAA circles when the news emerged this week that Fergus McCauley had passed away. Cavan County Board GAA offers deepest sympathies to his wife Angela, family, Tadgh, Aisling and Triona, brothers Seamus and Niall, sisters Nuala and Margaret and their extended families on his passing. Fergus is fondly remembered and deeply mourned by his many friends in his native Drumlane, in Cavan and Dublin. His passing evoked many memories among old playing teammates and friends of his contribution to the Drumlane and Drumalee clubs and the Cavan county team. Fergus played in two Ulster minor finals with Cavan in 1964 and ’65 but Cavan were unsuccessful on both occasions. He first played for Cavan seniors in the National League in the autumn of 1967 and his burgeoning talent was quickly apparent with two standout performances at midfield when Cavan defeated the reigning All-Ireland champions Meath in the prestigious Grounds Tournament semi-final in Croke Park after a replay. Fergus was a fast, skilful player who loved to take on a defence at speed and finish with a score which was quite often a goal. He played some outstanding games for Cavan in the late 1960s and he won an Ulster championship medal in 1969. Unfortunately with his speed and skill he often picked up injuries and during a club league game in 1970 he suffered a bad leg injury which effectively ended his playing career. After his injury he continued to be involved with Cavan and he served as a county selector for a term under the then team-manager Fr Bennie Maguire.  At club level Drumlane was his native club but he and his brothers Seamus and the late Tommy also played with Drumalee where they helped that club to win the intermediate championship in 1969. In 1970 the brothers returned to Drumlane and Fergus managed and trained the club to junior championship success in 1971 which was a great achievement for the club at that time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.