The late Bernie Colclough: an appreciation from Athlone GAA
For the second time this year, Athlone GAA club mourns the death of another one of the six-in-a-row players, with the sad passing of Bernie Colclough.
Born in the 1930s on a farm in Clonbonny and one of a family of eleven, he was approaching his teens when his older brother Johnny led the Athlone club to a Junior Championship in 1945 and Senior Championship in 1947 and 1949.
Bernie won county championship medals at Minor level in 1952, Junior level in 1954 and 6-in-a-row from 1955 to 1960 at Senior level. He was one of four Athlone players to play in all six finals and scored in all of them.
He kicked the first score in the first official match to be played in Páirc Chiaráin in February 1960. He also served on the club's committee.
For the many members of the club who didn’t see him play this is what former Westmeath great, the late Paddy Flanagan wrote for a player’s reunion in 1990: “Another player to win the coveted 6-in-a-row. He won five of them in the one position, left-half-forward and was centre forward on the odd one…the ’58 final. He was the first to score in the ’55 final and was a most elusive, deadly accurate player with club or county.”
Former club goalkeeper, the late Eddie Martin wrote in 2010: “He gave some memorable displays at left half forward for the Shannonsiders. His astute pass to set up the winning point in the 1958 final remains etched in the memory. Tough and strong, his work rate in every game was staggering.”
To quote fellow player Eamon Ginnane – “He was a skilful player, a great man for advice and a loyal clubman.”
Leaving Athlone in the 1960s, he started his own grocery business in Roscrea and spent the next 60 years there. Managing Bernie's SuperValu, Roscrea for many years, he always had a smile and friendly word for his customers and staff and made time for a chat, especially about GAA matters. Above all, he will be remembered by the people of Roscrea for his generosity. He was a great supporter of all things local, both GAA and community. Indeed, Roscrea Hurling Club has also paid tribute to Bernie following his passing.
Bernie always maintained his interest in the affairs of the Athlone club. After the 2010 reunion, he initiated a fund raising venture among his fellow players, which resulted in the purchase of the electronic scoreboard for Páirc Chiaráin and his last official engagement at the club was for its launch in 2012.
The club extends deepest sympathy to his children, grandchildren, brother Frank and extended family in Clonbonny and Roscrea, some of whom are members of the club. Go raibh sé ag imirt ar pháirceanna peile ar neamh.
Bernard (Bernie) Colclough of Birr Road, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Clonbonny, Athlone died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on July 5.
Beloved husband of late wife Anne and loving father of Louise (Cronje), Brian and Niall and proud grandfather of Lauren, Aoibheann, Oisín, Marianne, Cathal and Liam. Bernie will be sadly missed by his daughter, sons, grandchildren, brother Frank, daughters-in-law Mary and Judy, son-in-law Hector, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and wide circle of extended family, friends and neighbours. May Bernie rest in peace.