Seamus Comiskey, who died last Friday, will be fondly remembered in Roscommon Town, Strokestown and much further afield too.

One of the town’s characters, he had that endearing capacity to put people in good humour, to put a smile on your face. He had a great way about him.

Blessed with a warm personality, Seamus was always friendly and good-natured. A devoted family man, he was a convivial member of the community, his great love of sport evident to all. A man who appreciated the value of friendship, he loved the company of others, valuing as he did conversation, banter and fun.

While the Strokestown connection was very strong, he made Roscommon his home, and was dedicated all his adult life to Roscommon Gaels GAA Club. As a player with his beloved Gaels, Seamus won many honours – and many friendships too. The GAA meant so much to him.

It wasn’t the only ‘ball game’ that he loved. Many times over the years as I was walking along Church Street or Abbey Street Seamus would pass in his car, window lowered and the words floating through the air…  “Up Leeds!”

This pride-filled utterance of loyalty was always accompanied by Seamus’s broad smile and his twinkling eyes. As Leeds United fans, we suffered for years, but Seamus kept the faith. In his younger years he had often been to Elland Road, had seen the greats – Giles, Bremner, Lorimer, Gray and others – in the flesh. We often talked wistfully of that great Don Revie-managed team. I know he was happy when Marcelo Bielsa led Leeds back to their natural environment (the top tier) a few years ago.

Seamus, who cared so lovingly for his late wife Joan during her illness, had his own health issues for a number of years. I am glad to have met him briefly earlier this summer.

Like so many others, I was very sorry to hear of Seamus’ passing. His former playing colleagues will remember with great fondness their shared battles on the pitch. The Leeds United family has lost a loyal devotee, but happy memories will live on.

Seamus Comiskey was one of the town’s characters, and it was always a pleasure to meet him. May he rest in peace. Up Leeds, Seamus.

‘He will forever be a part of the Roscommon Gaels story’

Roscommon Gaels have led tributes to Seamus Comiskey, who died on Friday last, September 20th. A well-known member of the community, Seamus had a distinguished GAA career.

Seamus (Shraú) Comiskey of Greenfield Road, Lisnamult, Roscommon Town and formerly of Strokestown, Co Roscommon died on September 20th, 2024.

Predeceased by his wife Joan, Seamus is mourned by his children Natasha, Jackie and James, his sister Margaret Hoare, further relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Paying tribute, Roscommon Gaels GAA Club said: “Seamus (Shraú) was a lifelong and cherished member of Roscommon Gaels, contributing greatly both on and off the field. He played in his first county final at Juvenile level and also secured a minor runners-up medal.

“Over the years, Seamus went on to win five Senior Football Championship medals, one Senior Hurling medal, and one League Hurling medal. He also won two Connacht Club Senior Football medals, two O’Rourke Cup League medals, and had the honour of serving as one of our club’s Honorary Presidents for several years.

“Seamus’s passion for the Roscommon Gaels Club was unwavering. He supported every team across all codes and age groups and was always present at various club events throughout the years, joined by his devoted family. His kind, hard-working, modest, and steady nature will be dearly missed by the entire club and county.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Natasha, Jackie, James, and the extended Comiskey family during this difficult time. Seamus leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered and cherished for many years to come. He will forever be a part of the Roscommon Gaels story”.