Memorial plaque unveiled in memory of the late Roscommon footballer
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Memorial plaque in honour of the late Roscommon footballer Ger Michael Grogan. GOL2940
ROSCOMMON County football manager Fergal O'Donnell unveiled a memorial plaque in honour of the late Roscommon footballer Ger Michael Grogan on Thursday last.
The monument was erected at the site of the car accident where Ger lost his life in The Walk, Roscommon eight years ago. From Roscommon Gaels Ger was only 24 when the tragedy occurred and he had been on the Roscommon panel who played in the All-Ireland quarter final the year before in 2001.
The event was organised by the Rossies, the creation of John Scally a native of Curraghboy. The Rossies is dedicated to helping charitable projects in Roscommon.
Last Thursday John, addressed families and friends of Ger recalling the man he was and the importance of not forgetting him.
"Ger was the first Roscommon footballer to pass away while a member of the panel and at such a young age that is why we thought a memorial to him was so important so we don't forget him. When a young person dies there is always a greater sense of grief I suppose because we have to bury their future as well as their past. Ger was a great character, a great footballer, a wonderful man and we miss him."
Before unveiling the plaque Fergal O'Donnell recalled his fellow teammate. "Ger Micheal wouldn't get away with today with what he used to get away with, if he didn't want to be at training and wanted to be at basketball or something else he just wouldn't be there. He was a great player, and a great character. We have a very important game coming up on Sunday but it is important to remember that it is only sport at the end of the day and when a life is taken so tragically it puts things into perspective. Hopefully now when people pass this plaque they'll say a prayer for Ger."
Ger's father Chris Grogan thanked John Scally for organising the memorial plaque and Joe Treacy who permitted its erection just outside his home.
"This has been another tragic weekend on our roads and I think of the eight families in Donegal, I wouldn't wish the loss of a child on any parent, for god's sake tell your own to slow down and have some respect for themselves and others on the road. I want to thank John in particular who rang me last year about this, I wasn't too sure at first until John told me Ger was the only Roscommon footballer to die while he was a current player. I also want to thank Frankie Mullen with Roscommon council who fixed the paths for the erection of the plaque."
John also spoke of the many other Rossie footballers who lost their lives tragicaly through the years. "Many other Roscommon footballers died suddenly or in tragic circumstances most recently Dermot Earley. This memorial will ensure that Ger Micheal is never forgotten."
John Scally also thanked Joe Treacy, Roscommon County council in particular Frankie Mullen, Fergal O'Donnell and O'Connor Monumental Works, Knockcroghery who kindly constructed and erected the marble memorial plaque bearing the inscription 'Gone Too Soon'.
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