Local clubs pay tribute after passing of popular and talented figure
Both Caulry GAA and Mount Temple Golf Club have paid glowing tributes to the late Jack Allen, following his death last weekend.
Mr Allen was president of Caulry GAA and the club said that his passing was met with "great sadness" from all involved in the Mount Temple/Baylin club.
Jack gave very lengthy and distinguished service to Caulry as a player and played a key role in some notable successes enjoyed by the club.
"Jack was a talented man both on and off the field and will be sadly missed, not only by the club but the surrounding community also. Jack was a passionate Caulry supporter and wore the red and white jersey with pride for over 20 years, representing the club at adult level from 1961 to 1988," said Caulry GAA.
"Jack will be remembered fondly for his contributions to the intermediate winning team in 1969. Himself alongside his brother Pat formed part of this Caulry team's defence and together they put every opposition attack to the test.
"His club honours also include playing full forward on the 1985 Junior B winning team and winning the league in 1969. Deepest sympathies are extended to Jack's family at this time."
Meanwhile, Mount Temple Golf Club said it was "incredibly saddened" to learn of the passing of Jack.
"Jack was a long time member of Mount Temple Golf Club, and he was a familiar face to all around the club, known for his great humour and his hearty laugh," said Mount Temple GC.
A brother of renowned music stars Tony Allen (of Foster and Allen fame) and Tom Allen (TR Dallas), Jack was a very talented singer in his own right.
"Jack's passing has left an indescribable hole not just in Mount Temple Golf Club, but in the wider community area, with his unique singing voice that brought Egan's pub to a standstill on many an occasion over the years," said the club.
"He will simply never be replaced. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."
Jack Allen of Killeenatoore, Mount Temple, Moate, Co. Westmeath died peacefully on Saturday, January 13 at Ferbane Care Centre, surrounded by his loving family after a long illness borne with dignity.
Predeceased by his parents, brother Mick, sisters Mary and Margaret and nephew David, Jack will be sadly missed by his loving wife Sheila, family Roisin, Michelle (Reynolds), Jackie (Killane), Shawn, Anita and Paul, brothers Pat, Tom and Tony, sisters Beesie (Greene) and Anne (Glennon), adored grandchildren Alanna, Katie, Jack, Amy, Emily and Harvey, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and wide circle of friends.
Funeral Mass took place yesterday (Tuesday) at Corpus Christi Church, Mount Temple, with burial afterwards in Donegan Cemetery. May Jack rest in peace.