Passing of one of last survivors of All-Ireland winning Cavan team

Johnny Cusack played at corner-forward in 1952.

With the passing of Johnny Cusack, another link with Cavan’s last All-Ireland SFC success in 1952 has been severed.

Cusack, who has passed away aged 92, played at corner-forward in Cavan’s All-Ireland SFC final win over Meath in a replay, a fifth Sam Maguire for the county in 19 years at the time and the last to date.

A farmer by trade, the Lavey clubman was a tough, versatile player who could line out in defence or attack. Cusack missed out on the entire 1948 season due to injury but was part of the Cavan panel which reached the All-Ireland final in 1949.

He won further Ulster SFC medals in 1954, when Cavan lost by a point to Meath in the All-Ireland semi-final, and in 1955, when they were beaten in a replay in the semi-final by Kerry.

Cusack also played for Ulster in the Railway Cup in 1953 and ’54 and was a key figure as his club made history by winning Cavan Junior and Senior Championships in the same calendar year in 1951.

Johnny Cusack died peacefully at his home at The Mill, Corrawillan, Lavey, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Anna; dear father of Mary, John, Dympna, Phelim, Aideen and Martin. Sadly missed by his wife, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, his sister Kathy Reilly, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Funeral cortege will leave the family home at 1.30pm to arrive at the church at 2pm. Requiem Mass on Sunday, July 12th in St. Dympna's Church, Lower Lavey at 2pm, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. House private. Family flowers only, please. Donations in lieu of Cavan/Monaghan Palliative Care.

See this week's print edition for more.