Derry Gowen
Derry Gowen | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | December 6, 2017 (aged 84) |
| Occupation(s) | Athlete, coach, Gaelic Athletic Association administrator, referee, team selector |
| Known for | Hurling and Gaelic football player; GAA administration and coaching |
Derry Gowen (1 February 1933 – 6 December 2017) was an Irish athlete involved in hurling and Gaelic football, as well as a notable figure in Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) administration, refereeing, and team selection.
Playing career
Gowen's involvement in juvenile hurling began during the inaugural North Cork Hurling Championship in 1946. He achieved success by winning minor championships in both hurling and football with St. Patrick's, Fermoy, and also secured a Junior Hurling Championship title representing the club.
Coaching career
In his role as a selector, Gowen played a part in guiding the Cork minor football team to their maiden All-Ireland Minor Football Championship triumph in 1961. Subsequently, he took on responsibilities as selector and senior hurling coach for the Avondhu divisional side, culminating in their Cork Senior Hurling Championship win in 1966. Additionally, Gowen was part of the selection panel when Cork’s senior football team captured the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1973.
Administrative career
Gowen’s administrative journey commenced with his tenure as secretary of St. Patrick's juvenile club from 1950 to 1961, after which he advanced to serve as secretary and vice-chairman of Fermoy’s adult club. In 1960, he was appointed chairman of the North Cork Divisional Board (Avondhu), a role he maintained for over a quarter-century. During this period, he initiated a thriving under-21 football competition that contributed to the establishment of Munster-wide inter-county under-21 championships. In 1969, he introduced Scór activities to North Cork prior to their national rollout in 1970. Over nearly two decades on the Cork County Board (1964–1987), Gowen held multiple positions including Public Relations Officer, treasurer, vice-chairman, chairman, and delegate to Central Council; he later served a three-year term as President.
Death
Gowen passed away on 6 December 2017 at the age of 84.
Coaching honours
- Avondhu
- Cork