A highly regarded retired school Principal, Mr. John James Treacy, whose passions were his family, his faith and football, has died.
The much loved husband, father and grandfather, late of Drumlin Heights, Enniskillen, who was a member of the 1959 Fermanagh All Ireland Junior Winning GAA team, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 13, after an illness, aged 79.
A member of the teaching profession for many years, J.J. as he was also affectionately known, was a native of Garrison, where he attained his early education before going on to Grammar School, St. Colman’s in Newry, where he became head boy. He did his teacher training in St. Joseph’s College in Belfast, and taught in Omagh for a year. He then taught in St. Joseph’s, Enniskillen, for a number of years, before becoming Principal of St. Mary’s Brollagh, and then St. Comhghall’s, Lisnaskea, where he remained for about 15 years before retiring in 1996.
Sport was a major interest for J.J. whose gaelic footballing accomplishments also saw him in 1970 and 1971 managing the County Under 21 Team to two All Ireland finals (in which they were both defeated by Cork).
In 1982, he trained the Fermanagh Senior Team that got to the Ulster Final. He was a selector with the team that won the All Ireland B Championship in 1996.
Equally strong was J.J.’s passion for his Club, Devenish. He managed, trained and captained the Devenish Team of the 1960s which enjoyed numerous successes. Past Secretary of the Club, he was the President up until he passed away.
Parish work in St. Michael’s Church played a big part in J.J.’s life. He worked with Accord, Lifestart, and he was heavily involved in the Parish Pastoral Council. Another involvement had been RCIA, The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Home and family were of tremendous importance to J.J. who married Fanchea Nethercott and they had a family of five children: Conal; Ciaran; Brian; the late Aveen; and Eoin.
His funeral was held at St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen, led by Monsignor Peter O’Reilly. A concelebrated mass, those taking part included Fr. Brian D’Arcy; Fr. Noel McGahan; Fr. Ignatius McQuillan (who was a member of the 1959 winning team); Fr. Alan Ward, and Monsignor Sean Cahill.
Family took part in the service. Burial was at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Garrison.
There was a guard of honour at St. Michael’s by the remaining members of the 1959 team, the 1982 team and the current Fermanagh Senior Team.
In Garrison, there was a guard of honour by members of the Devenish Club.
J.J. is survived by his wife Fanchea, his children, and 13 grandchildren. Having been one in a family of 10, he leaves eight siblings: P.T., Paul, Gerard, Michael, Eugene, Maura, Frances and Ann. He was predeceased by Bridie. Also surviving J.J. are the wider family circle and his friends.
The funeral director was Peter Carty, Garrison.