Malachy's influence will live on

For Malachy Scott, Ballysallagh, Ballynacargy, the final whistle sounded on Friday April 17, and the great ‘referee’ called him to his eternal home.

Malachy, aged 78, was a loyal and devoted servant of Ballynacargy GAA Club for many decades and left an indelible mark on the parish. He served as club chairman for a long number of years and was a driving force behind underage football, always striving to give young players every opportunity to represent their club with pride. He served the GAA as a mentor, administrator and referee for many years.

Many will fondly remember the old Hillman Hunter cars he trusted in, carrying players to games the length and breadth of the county, particularly teams from Ballynacargy NS. Those journeys, often to remote venues across Westmeath, have become part of local folklore. And there was always a can in the boot when the petrol tank ran dry.

Long before it became widely recognised, Malachy understood the importance of nurturing young talent at primary school level. He built a strong relationship with the late JJ Cusack, former principal, and played a central role in the success of the Ballynacargy NS team who won in 1986, a triumph that marks its 40th anniversary this year. He continued that work as the school secured another Cumann na mBunscol title two years later, with victories over Ballymore NS and Tang NS holding a special place in his heart.

During that same era, as club chairman, he took immense pride in Ballynacargy’s first intermediate football championship success in 1987, when the John Mulligan-trained side overcame Maryland in a low-scoring final to bring great joy to the community. His contribution was not confined to the field of play, as he also oversaw important developments, including the building of new dressing rooms at Moynihan Park.

Malachy served as a referee for many years and continued his officiating duties after his move to Longford.

Malachy’s dedication to Ballynacargy GAA Club was extraordinary. In the years prior to his Hillman Hunter, he would teams into an old Vauxhall Viva, seven or eight at a time, always encouraging players to give their all for the Primrose and Blue.

Malachy was at the heart of everything, arguing the club’s case at County Board level, serving in a multitude of administrative roles, and throwing himself into fundraising efforts, including the famous ‘Lord Mayor’ campaign in 1980, where he ultimately triumphed.

There are legendary stories about the fundraising work that year and Malachy was always known as Lord Mayor in the decades that followed, even after he handed over the chain to his successor Tom Price 28 years later.

It was in 1989 that Malachy moved to Longford to begin a new chapter of life with his beloved wife Philomena and his stepson, Colin. Settling in Ballinamuck, he quickly became interested in school football and kept a close watch on the local GAA club, Fr Manning Gaels.

He was involved in the club lotto, continuing his fundraising work and fitted in with the local community, serving as a member of the local Enterprise group for which he raised funds. He and Philomena took a keen interest in the twinning with Essert and enjoyed many a great social evening, both in northeastern France and in Ballinamuck.

However, his bond with Ballynacargy and Westmeath football never weakened and he remained unapologetically loyal to both. No matter the distance, he always kept close to home, following the fortunes of Ballynacargy with great interest.

The great successes of 1995 and 1996, when the club won back-to-back junior and intermediate titles under Frank Mescall, and again in 1999 under Frank Lynam, were celebrated with pride.

Away from the GAA, Malachy gave lifelong service to his community through his work and political involvement.

A dedicated employee of Westmeath County Council until his retirement, he played a key role as an overseer with different projects in Mullingar and around the county. The road that links Robinstown with Lakepoint, Mullingar, was a challenging assignment but he saw it through to completion.

His commitment extended to the Labour Party, which he joined in 1969 at a meeting in the old Legion Hut on the banks of the Royal Canal. Over the years, he served at all levels, including five years as chairperson, helping to build the Ballynacargy Labour Branch into the largest in the county.

Through his work as a SIPTU representative, he was a strong and unwavering advocate for the rights, pay and conditions of council workers.

Even after settling in Ballinamuck, Malachy never lost touch. Regular phone calls home to Bal’ were filled with questions about the club, local politics and, above all, the wellbeing of friends and neighbours. That connection never faded.

He loved the annual church concert and always took time to make the journey to Bal’ for it. He and Phil were regular visitors to their great friends, Willie and Anne Penrose and he was always a staunch supporter of the former Labour TD and minister.

To those who knew him, Malachy was more than a clubman or a colleague – he was a leader, a mentor, and a friend.

He fought many battles, on the field and in the political arena, always with passion, conviction and absolute loyalty.

Malachy gave so much of himself to others that it would indeed take a chapter of a book to fully capture his life and legacy. It is difficult to put into words the sense of loss felt, not just by those closest to him, but by a wider community to which he gave so much of his life. His contribution will never be forgotten, and his influence will live on in the generations he inspired.

Malachy’s Funeral Mass took place in St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ballinamuck on Monday April 20.

Among the symbols brought forward were a whistle, a family photo, a TV remote control and a copy of the Westmeath Examiner newspaper, a copy of which was on order in the local shop each week.

Malachy is now reunited with his late wife Philomena, as well as with his stepson Colin and his parents, sister and brother, and one hopes he has found peace.

Predeceased by his beloved recently deceased wife Philomena, stepson Colin, parents James and Margaret, brother Jimmy, and sister Mary, Malachy will be remembered with love by his nephews and nieces Michael, Audrey, Damien, Fiona, James and Davina; his extended family in Ballinamuck: Michael McNally, Belinda, Fiona, Garry, Michelle, Marie, Jenni and Cillian. He will also be missed by his relatives, many good friends and neighbours. Malachy’s month’s memory Mass is on Friday May 22, in Ballinamuck at 7pm.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.