Joe Curtin, a native of Ballinrobe, who passed away recently in Dublin, played a pivotal role in reviving Ballinrobe GAA Club in 1946. He was just a teenager when he took on a leadership role at a time when the club had not fielded a team for several years.
Joe attended the formation meeting in Power’s Hotel, Bridge Street, Ballinrobe, where he was appointed club secretary. This was very much a player-driven initiative – most attendees, including Joe, were students at Ballinrobe CBS, united by a shared love for Gaelic football. Their dedication paid off, with the club winning the South Mayo Minor Championship in that very first year. Joe served as secretary for the first three years of the club, laying a strong foundation for its future.
He recounted those early years in his extensive and wide-ranging 2020 publication, Gist of Lives and Lies – Lies and Materialism Destroy Civilisation.
After moving to Dublin to work in the Civil Service, Joe maintained his involvement with Gaelic games. He became active in the Civil Service GAA Club and was a key figure in the production of the much-loved Gaelic Weekly newspaper.
Joe is survived by his wife Máire and his children Deirdre, Niall, Dónall, and Aideen, sons-in-law Onno and Mark, daughters-in-law Lorca and Anne, treasured grandchildren Aisling, Analivia, Owen, Jeremy, Abigail, Grace and Matthew, sisters Mary, Sheila and Ita, brother Michael, sisters-in-law Nuala and Frances, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
His funeral ceremonies took place in Dublin. Details are available here: https://rip.ie/death-notice/joe-hj-curtin-dublin-582153
Ballinrobe GAA & LGFA Club extends its deepest sympathies to Joe’s family. As a founding father of the modern Ballinrobe GAA Club, his contribution will always be remembered.
- John Sweeney, Chairperson, Ballinrobe GAA Club.