FORMER GAELIC footballer and chief of staff of the Irish Defence Forces Dermot Earley was described by President Mary McAleese as a modern-day Cúchulainn at the unveiling of a bronze memorial in his memory at the weekend.
Speaking before unveiling the life-size sculpture of Earley in his boyhood village, Gorthaganny, Co Roscommon, the President described him as “one of the finest men ever born on this island”.
She told the crowd of 2,000, who attended the ceremony on Saturday, that the Defence Forces never had a more loved chief of staff.
“He was a devoted family man, a renowned sporting hero, an outstanding soldier, an inspiring leader, a tremendous ambassador for Ireland,” Mrs McAleese continued.
The sculpture, which was executed by Clare craftsman Séamus Connolly, shows Mr Earley togged out in full flight on a football field. It stands next to his family home, close to the primary school where his late father Peadar served as principal for many years.
The Bishop of Elphin, Dr Christopher Jones, who described Mr Earley as “a remarkable man who died before his time”, performed the official blessing.
As well as his illustrious football career, spanning more than 20 years, in Roscommon and Kildare, the memorial also marks Earley’s 44 years of service with the Defence Forces. He was a holder of the Distinguished Service Medal and commanded a contingent of Irish troops on Unifil peacekeeping duties in Lebanon.
Earley, the President said, had the capacity to build bridges across all divides by the strength of his character, his sense of fairness and values, all forged within the community in Gorthaganny.
Members of the Earley family, including his mother Kitty, his wife Mary, and children David, Conor, Dermot, Paula, Ann Marie and Noelle were guests at Saturday’s unveiling with members of the Defence Forces providing full military ceremonial.
Also in attendance were his brothers Peter and Paul and sisters Denise and Margaret.
The large representation from the Defence Forces included the Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Seán McCann.
Three wreaths were laid at the base of the memorial by Mary Earley, Martin Walsh on behalf of the Gorthaganny community and Michael Fahy, chairman of the Roscommon GAA Board.