Crossmaglen mourning the death of ‘true Rangers legend’ Margaret McConville

By Michael McMullan

CROSSMAGLEN Rangers are mourning the death of one of the club’s greatest servants, their honoury president Margaret McConville.

She was club secretary for over a decade at a time when the club made their breakthrough on the All-Ireland stage.

The club paid tribute to her contribution on a post via their social media channels.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of a true Rangers legend, someone who inspired us, who supported and guided us and who dedicated her whole life to the black and amber.

“Holding many different roles over the years, she was hardworking, diligent and passionate. We will never see the likes of her again.”

Her sons Jim, Oisin and Jarlath were part of their first All-Ireland winning team.

Margaret pictured with the Gerry Fagan Cup and Crossmaglen Rangers players, from left, Rian O’Neill, Jamie Clarke, Aaron O’Neill, captain Jamie Clarke, Cian McConville and Oisin O’Neill, with her daughter Dora O’Neill, left, mother of Rian, Oisin and Aaron O’Neill

On All-Ireland Club final day, March 17, 2011, Margaret was the recipient of a President’s Award by the GAA for her services on many fronts and over many years

“We thank you for your long and dedicated service, it will never be forgotten,” the Crossmaglen statement continued.

She’d always have the club scarf at games and the last line of the tribute was fitting:

“Come on the Rangers is the cry of every girl and boy. Each hero of the past, we all remember, to Crossmaglen, they’re true and to Armagh football too. Up the Rangers, May god bless the black and amber”.