Death of Simon DeignanSimon Deignan, one of the last surviving members of the famous Cavan football team that won the All-Ireland football final at the Polo Grounds in New York in 1947, has died in Dublin at the age of 84. An outstanding player for his county, Deignan also went on to become one of the top referees in Gaelic football.
Deignan featured in 12 All Ireland finals, either as a player or referee. He won his first medal as a minor with Cavan in 1938 and played on the All-Ireland winning senior team, mainly as a wing back, in 1947, '48 and '52. He also picked up three losers' medals in 1943, '45 and '49.
While still playing intercounty football, Deignan took up refereeing and amazingly was in charge of the 1947 Munster final between Cork and Kerry. He then played for Cavan against the winners of that game, Kerry, in the famous New York final.
He subsequently became one of the most respected referees in the game, taking control of two minor finals and All-Ireland senior finals in 1950, '54 and '58.
An Army officer, Deignan was a founder member of the referees' association and also a key figure in the growth and development of the Erins Isle club in Dublin.
He is survived by five daughters, Barbara, Yvonne, Catherine, Philippa, and Stephanie, and two sons, Colm and Jim.
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