Death of fine hurling defender Jackie O’Gorman leaves Clare GAA in mourning

Joan Bennis and Jackie O’Gorman in Cratloe prior to the 2013 All-Ireland semi-final between Clare and Limerick.

Clare GAA is in mourning this week following the passing of Cratloe’s Jackie O’Gorman which came a day after the death of another legendary defender in Tubber’s Donal O’Grady.

O’Gorman is rated as one of the finest defenders of his era having lined out for his beloved Clare at either wing or corner back for over a decade.

Called up to the Clare panel in the late 60’s he was a regular from 1967 to the end of the 70’s, playing in every one of Clare’s championship games in that period. He starred in the national league winning teams of 1977 and 1978 when Clare accounted for Kilkenny; in both finals.

He played in the Clare team which contested the Munster finals of 1972, 1974, 1977 and 1978, suffering defeat on each occasion.

When his inter county playing days ended he became a selector and filled that role when Clare contested the Munster finals of 1981 and 1986.

He was a regular on the Munster team which played in the famed Railway Cup inter-provincial hurling championship during that period.

During his career he won many sports personality of the week awards for his displays.

One of his proudest moments came long after his playing career ended when he watched his native Cratloe capture the Clare senior hurling title for the first time, in 2009.

Clare’s All-Ireland successes in 1995 and 1997 under the management of his former inter county team mate Ger Loughnane also brought great delight to Jackie as did the 2013 win with a number of Cratloe players in the line-up.

Jackie is survived by his wife Joan (Bennis) and his children, Mary, Angela, Jacqueline and Joanne, his sons-in-law John, Fergal, Richard and Tommy, his adored grandchildren Robyn, Jack, Sam, Eve, and George, brother Michael and sister Bridie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his sisters Mary and Chrissie, brother Eddie.

His reposal takes place at St. John’s Church, Cratloe on Thursday (25th January) from 5pm to 7.30pm. Requiem Mass will take place on Friday (26th January) at 12 noon followed by burial in Craughaun Cemetery.