True Ballynacargy Gael passes

News of the death of Leo Penrose, Ballynacargy GAA Club Chairman Johnnie Penrose's uncle, severs the last surviving link to the six Penrose brothers who lined out for the Ballynacargy team in the late 1940s / early 1950s era.

Leo (who was 84 and living in Buncrana, Donegal) was a very stylish player, who was selected to play on the team as a mid-teenager, having excelled as a juvenile player. Football was a lot different in that era, and to survive one had to be tough and resilient and Leo exhibited all of these qualities, as well as a high level of skill. In particular, he was a wonderful ‘high fielder’, something he demonstrated in one of his last games for the club against Maryland in the mid 1950s.

Like so many of his contemporaries of that era, Leo was forced to emigrate to find work. He arrived and settled in Cricklewood, Broadway, for a number of years, before finally settling in Barnet with his wife Eileen.

He remained a loyal member of the Ballynacargy GAA Club, with his membership fee being one of the first paid each year and he followed the fortunes of the club with an almost religious type fervour. Whenever they reached a semi-final / final in the championship, he would return home.

In effect, whilst he was away for almost 60 years, before returning to reside in Buncrana some eight years ago, his heart never left Ballynacargy and he never wavered in his loyalty and support. He remained steadfast irrespective of the club's fortunes over the last seven decades.

Leo even attended a recent AGM using Zoom and one of his final acts was to participate in the ‘design a jersey competition’ to commemorate the centenary of the club which occurs this year. He was in fact the oldest competitor.

He loved coming back to the village on holidays, meeting up with his old schoolmates and enjoying the yarns and craic with younger generations. In recent times he loved to have a lively discussion with Paddy Troy, who is now the last remaining link to the team of the '50s, as they regaled each other with the tales and memories of those great battles and jousts on the football field.

All associated with the Ballynacargy GAA Club have lost a dear friend, a loyal supporter and a true follower of the saffron and blue.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Leo's beloved wife Eileen; daughters Eileen (Ronan) and Alice (Doherty); son-in-laws John and Patrick; grandchildren James and Alice; sisters Vera (Maher) and Florrie (Glynn); brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends.

Requiem Mass on Tuesday May 30 at 11am in Ballynacargy, with burial afterwards in Sonna Cemetery.