John ‘Beezy’ Glennon - a tribute from Rhode GAA

It was with the heaviest of hearts that all involved in Rhode GAA learned last week of the passing of one of the club’s greatest Gaels, John 'Beezy' Glennon.

A characteristic of a committed person is their ability to make commitments and stick to them. Words such as maybe, or can’t, are absent from their vocabulary. This can certainly be said about our dear friend John Glennon with regard to his dedication and commitment to Rhode and Offaly GAA. In his 64th year, John Glennon has given most of his life to the cause of Rhode GAA, as a player and administrator.

John served the club and county in many administrative roles ranging from 12 years as club secretary, 35 years as PRO, team selector, team secretary, county board delegate, Lotto administrator as well as taking an active role on numerous committees within Offaly GAA. John was heavily immersed in the club’s fundraising activities.

As a player, John will be fondly remembered as a wing-back on the U21 championship winning side of 1975 and he was a panel member as the Rhode seniors took home the Dowling Cup in the same year.

Most importantly, John will be remembered as a man of integrity, who was a helpful as he was knowledgeable (about most things, not just GAA) and, put simply, he was a gentleman.

John has battled gallantly with ill health for the past number of years although he never complained about his lot. Every challenge was met head on. The easiest thing for him would have been to take a break from club activities and say “I have my time served”.

However, as was typical of 'Beezy', his commitment and drive never abated and he ensured that whenever his health allowed, he was central to activities in the club. Only a few months ago he was helping out at the weekly club lotto draw.

Rhode GAA expresses deepest sympathy to all the Glennon family, Karen and James and their children, Frank and Margaret, brothers Greg, Joe and Richard, sisters Breda, Nan and May, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends on the passing of John.

John’s funeral mass took place last Friday afternoon in St Peter's church, Rhode followed by burial to the adjoining cemetery. He was giving a great send off with a full guard of honour from the club. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.