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Kieran Denvir R.I.P

Tuesday 9th August 2022


Kieran Denvir R.I.P

Coiste Chontae an Dúin and the family that is Down GAA are saddened to learn today of the death of Kieran Denvir member of our 1960 All Ireland winning team. Kieran came from a family steeped in the heritage of Down GAA; his father James Denvir had been the first Chairperson of the County Committee in 1903.

A native of Ballynarry in Kilclief, Kieran followed in the footsteps of his older brother Brian and made his Ulster Championship debut against Derry in 1953. It ended in a three-point defeat for Down and Kieran was then listed as playing for UCD where he was a veterinary student. Indeed, in that same year 1953, his brother Brian was a member of the County Senior Hurling Team defeated by Antrim in the Ulster Junior Championship.

On this day the 9th of August 1959, Kieran Denvir was right corner forward on the Down team that defeated Cavan in the Ulster Final on a score line of 2-16 to 0-7 and in doing so became the first Down team to win an Ulster Senior Title. History was made, and the Kilclief brothers Kieran and Brian Denvir as a selector, had played their part on and off the field.

In the All-Ireland Final of 1960 Kieran replaced Joe Lennon at midfield in the second half of the game as Down went on to defeat Kerry 2-10 to 0-8 and we were All Ireland Champions.

The men of 1960 will always have a special place in the hearts and minds of Down people and indeed of GAA people throughout the land and beyond these shores. Kieran Denvir was one of those men, the history makers, a man of stature, and a man of modesty, he represented his Club, his university, captaining UCD to a Sigerson Cup win, his County, and his Province.

Indeed, in his Inter County career Kieran played with three Clubs whilst continuing playing with Down, his native Kilclief, his university Club of UCD and when work took him to the West, he also played with Ballina James Stephens but always with outstanding commitment to the Red and Black.

We in Down GAA wish to extend our sympathy to his Children Fiona, Mark, Paula, Rory, Angus and Ciara, his son in law Pete and daughters in law, Moira, Annette and Andrea and his grandchildren. We remember too his late wife Monica and the deceased members of the Denvir Family. To the Gaels of Kilclief we also extend our sympathies.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.