The late Sean Heavin is pictured (back row, second from left) among a group of Westmeath players in 1975. Also pictured at back: Paddy Whelan, Tommy Doyle, Eugene Doyle, Alan Cunningham, Willie Lowry, Larry Gillivan, David Flynn. Front (from left): Willie Allen, Gerry Murtagh, Tommy Lowry, Seamus Conroy, Vinny Murray, Paddy Cole, Donie Smyth.

Sadness over death of Moate and Westmeath football legend

Kieran Galvin

Published: Tue 12 Sep 2023, 11:11 PM

Last updated: Wed 13 Sep 2023, 9:51 AM

The town of Moate and indeed Westmeath as a whole has been plunged into sadness over the sudden death of Sean Heavin.

Undoubtedly one of the greatest centre half-backs to ever play football for Westmeath, Sean enjoyed Flanagan Cup success with Moate All Whites on a number of occasions.

Although Sean's passing leaves a major void in the local sporting scene, his loss will be felt most acutely by his wife Mary and three daughters, Carol, Deirdre and Sinead, his grandchildren and extended family.

Paying tribute to Sean, Moate All Whites GAA posted the following message online on Tuesday:

"It is with a heavy heart that the club received the terrible news this morning of the untimely passing of club legend Sean Heavin. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary, Carol, Deirdre and Sinead and the extended Heavin family.

"All club activities have been suspended until further notice. A further statement will be issued in due course. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

In addition to his considerable prowess as a player, Sean served as a selector with Westmeath during Luke Dempsey's time as manager.

Sean was part of the management team when Westmeath enjoyed a remarkable run through the newly introduced All-Ireland qualifiers in 2001. It was a memorable odyssey that took Westmeath all the way to the All-Ireland quarter-finals, claiming a famous win over Mayo along the way, and it laid the platform for Leinster success a few years later.

A tireless worker for the Moate club and a true gentleman, Sean remained a passionate Westmeath supporter long after his playing days were over. He was a regular at Westmeath matches and club games throughout the county. Indeed, this writer enjoyed a few words with Sean after the recent Caulry versus Athlone senior championship match.

Sean Heavin of Ballinakill, Moate, Co. Westmeath died on Tuesday, September 12. Funeral arrangements had yet to finalised at the time of writing. May Sean rest in peace.