HELEN PROUT R.I.P : SHAMROCKS LEADING LADY.
Shockwaves resonated throughout our Club and wider community on hearing the sad news of Helen Prout’s death. Words were hard to find and it was with great sadness and grief that we began to accept the unpalatable fact. Our dear and wonderful leading lady both in Club and Community was called home too soon indeed.
RINGASKIDDY’S VERY BEST;
Helen was a life long supporter and advocate of the Shamrock Hurling & Football Club having been born into a family rich in Gaelic and local tradition. She truly loved her own place and it meant so much to her throughout her life. The village, her mother’s shop, her uncle’s Post Office were all the great magnets that drew her into the great richness of where she lived. Shamrocks, its teams, its great history were a huge part of her life. She loved it all with great flair and undying enthusiasm.
Her greatest joys, memories and satisfactions came from where she lived and grew up and remained all her life. Her own place gave her all she could ever dream or wish for.
VICE PRESIDENT
At the time of her death she was the leading Lady Vice-President of the Club having been elected in 2011. Helen gave so much of her time and efforts to the Club over a lifetime and she held the onerous task of Treasurer for ten years. A most capable and reliable Officer, she was always at the top of her task leading by example and a motivation for others. In her time in office the Club expended tens of thousands of Euros in land purchase and developments. Helen kept tight strings on the purse and made sure we always got value for money. When it came to raising money she would be to the forefront leading the way. Her family were involved in the Club since its foundation and her father Paddy wore the jersey and her uncle Mick was a star of the Shamrock Senior Hurling team. Her own family would follow suit and her daughter Deirdre helped get camogie back in action and was a football enthusiast too. Son Peter was a dual player with the Club and excelled too on the Carrigdhoun Senior Football team. Her youngest son Michael brought numerous honours to the family, Village and Club. He played Under 17 football for Ireland. Won all Ireland Hurling and Football medals with Cork and in an All Ireland captained Cork to Victory. Surely these family feats and achievements brought herself and husband Martin great joy and satisfaction. Her children were so fortunate to have such a wonderful mother and father. In later years her many grandchildren were taking up the great family tradition swinging camans and kicking footballs. Helen loved every minute.
TRIBUTES
It was with heavy hearts and tearful eyes great numbers came to pay their respect and make their farewells. Saying goodbye was so hard and heart rendering, we never thought Helen would leave us, she always seemed to be ever present and an integral part of what we are and what we stand for. Life can surely be very hard. Shanbally Church was filled to full capacity as Fr. Sean led the prayers and Requiem Mass. Her favourite colours, Shamrocks, bedecked her coffin as she made her final exit and journey. Large Numbers Officers and players of all ages from the men and Ladies teams came out in their true colours of green and white to ensure that final lap was truly a
Shamrock one. Dear Helen, we will all miss you greatly, having known, befriended and worked with you made us all better and when we walk out the Gobby Road facing into the wind and salty Sea Air, surely your indominable rich Spirit will never be far away. Please stay close. May your gentle Soul rest in Heavenly peace;
Deepest and heart felt sympathy is extended to husband Martin, sons Peter and Michael, daughter Deirdre, sister Ann, brother Pat, her many grandchildren, relatives and friends.
Seán O’Tuama.
