Cavan GAA

There was widespread regret in Cavan GAA circles at the weekend when the news broke that PJ Mc Caffrey had passed away. PJ is fondly remembered by former players and supporters for his contribution to Cavan football, most notably the role he played in two of Cavan’s Ulster championship successes in the early 1960s.
In 1962 PJ played at full-back when Cavan shocked reigning two-in-a-row All- Ireland champions Down in the Ulster final in Casement Park. Down were firm favourites to win but in a great display Cavan held the much-vaunted Down attack containing star players James McCartan, Paddy Doherty and Seán O’Neill to 0-5. Cavan regained the Ulster championship in 1964 with another merited victory over Down with PJ once again in the full-back line.
PJ was a native of Templeport and it was with his native club that he played his first football. One of his proudest moments was when he played at full-back alongside his brother Kevin at right full on the Templeport team that won the Cavan junior championship in 1968 defeating Cavan Gaels after a replay. He also played club football with the Air Corps and with Ballyconnell. Like many others in the 1960s his playing career was cut short when he emigrated to teach in Nigeria. When he returned to Ireland he lived in Kells since 1970 teaching in the local Vocational school and after its amalgamation in Kells Community College. He made a major contribution to the Gaeil Colmcille club (Kells) as coach, manager and official. He was also heavily involved with school teams in Kells and with the Leinster Colleges Council and he spent many years helping to train and coach different Meath underage county teams.
PJ always maintained his passion and love for Cavan and was a very welcoming host and steward to Cavan fans whenever they visited Páirc Tailteann in Navan. He was predeceased by his wife Joan in 2011. Cavan county board wishes to extend sympathy to his family Siobhán, Orla, Peadar and Sinéad and extended family. Ar dheis lamh Dé go raibh a anam.