Simon Deignan
Simon Deignan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1922 Mullagh, Ireland |
| Died | September 1, 2006 (aged 84) Bon Secours Hospital, Glasnevin, Ireland |
| Occupation(s) | Gaelic football player, match official |
| Known for | Playing for Cavan; refereeing All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Finals (1950, 1954, 1958) |
Simon Deignan (1922 – September 2006) was a prominent Gaelic football player representing Cavan and later served as a match official.
Family
Dublin footballer Jonny Cooper is Simon Deignan’s grandnephew; notably, Deignan, who played for Cavan, is also Cooper’s granduncle and featured in the Polo Grounds match.
Playing career
Originating from Mullagh, Deignan earned an All-Ireland Minor Football Championship title in 1938. He was part of a formidable half back line alongside P. J. Duke and J. J. O'Reilly, playing a crucial role in Cavan’s triumph during the 1947 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final held at New York’s Polo Grounds. He further contributed significantly to Cavan’s All-Ireland victory in 1948 and was instrumental in securing the National Football League championship for the 1949/50 season. Beyond county success, he also amassed several Railway Cup medals while representing Ulster.
Deignan took on officiating duties as referee in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Finals of 1950, 1954, and 1958.
Death
Passing away at age 84, Deignan died at Bon Secours Hospital in Glasnevin. His funeral took place at the Church of Our Mother of Divine Grace on Ballygall Road East, with interment following at Dardistown cemetery.