Matin McNeela
Matin McNeela was born in Ballcroy, Co. Mayo in 1915. He joined the
Garda Siochana on 11th. January 1935 and was sent to Lifford, Co.
Donegal.
He came to Creeslough on 9th. August 1935 and stayed 2 years. He
transferred to Ballybofey in 1937 and served in Dungloe and Falcarragh
before returning to Creeslough in November 1940. In those days there was
a Sargent and three Guards in Creeslough.
The Parish of
Doe has being playing Gaelic Football for more than 60 years. the first
club was formed in 1938. St.Michael's
GAA club was re-formed by Martin Mc Neela
in 1952 and the then curate Fr. James Deeney in Creeslough was it's
first President. Columba O'Donnell, Michael McGinley and Master Tague
Gallagher were involved.
He left Creeslough going to Ballyshannon on 2nd. September 1957 where
he remained until his transfer to Dublin Depot in 1962. He stayed there
until he retired on 17th. April 1977.
Martin Mc Neela may have spent a long time in Dublin but he did not
forget his many friends in
Creeslough and Dunfanaghy. And if St. Michael's made it to a
County Final Martin was always there to offer his advice. Martin Mc Neela
died in Meath Hospital Dublin on 26th May 1998 R.I.P.
At the St. Michael's GAA. Dinner Dance 1998 the "Martin McNeela
Memorial Trophy" was presented to St. Michael's Club by Martin
McNeela Junior. The Trophy was sponcered by senor members of the club
orginased by Michael Mc Ginley and Columba O'Donnell who were
involved at the start of the club with McNeela.
