Eddie Wade RIP

All in Limerick GAA were so sad on hearing the sad news of former Vice Chairman Eddie Wade death, Limerick GAA would like to send its sympathies to Eddie sisters Rita and Breda and to the extended Wade family

No single person has been more consistently associated with Gaelic games in Limerick over the past 50 years or more than the fortright and respected Eddie Wade. The GAA was his life and dominated all other interests and activities. A native of Cahernorry where he has lived all his life. Eddie was the youngest of six children. Both of his parents (Tess Higgins from Moylough, Co Galway) and his father Paddy came from strong republican families.
He played hurling and football for the green and gold mostly at underage level. However, it was his prowess as an administrator that Eddie is best remembered for, having served in numerous capacities with his club, East Board and County Board. He became Chairman of South Liberties at 21 years of age and went on to hold almost every position in the club including that of Secretary. Having tasted the satisfaction of being able to perform club duties and ambitious Eddie decided to extend his horizons to a higher level and was successful in assuming the position of Vice Chairman of the East Board in 1974. He sought the prestigious position of Divisional Chairman in 1975 where his endeavour met with the desired response and his election at the first attempt showed the high esteem with which he was held in the Division. He remained Chairman until 1977 when he relinquished his position as his three year term of office was completed. He became Vice Chairman again in 1978 and 1979. In 1980 the outgoing Chairman Johnny O’Donovan espoused his wishes to leave the chair and became secretary. Into the void stepped Eddie Wade to become the Divisions chairman once again, holding the position in 1981 and 1982 to complete another three year term. A term of office in the Limerick County Board followed where he served as Vice Chairman and down through the years he has been a Limerick selector for Minor, Under 21, Junior and Senior hurling. The County was also the recipient of his diverse talents were instrumental in the founding of Scor in East Limerick when at the beginning he filled the dual role of administrator and of participant, often taking part in many different categories on the night.
Eddie has been involved in politics since he was first elected to Limerick County Council in 1979 and was re-elected each term there after until his retirement in 2014. He was elected Chairman of Limerick County Council on four occasions and also served as a Dail Deputy from 1997 to 2002. He has been an outstanding public representative for over 35 years and used his role to promote sport and Gaelic Games across Limerick and beyond.
Eddie went to his first All Ireland hurling final in 1964 and his first football final in 1966 and never missed a final after that until the Covid outbreak in 2020. He rarely missed a match particularly where Limerick were involved be it Championship or League. He was instrumental in founding the Old Time Gaels of East Limerick in 2003 to acknowledge the contribution of old Gaels from the division. This organisation has gone from strength to strength under Eddie’s leadership since the first awards night in the Stroller Bar in Ballyneety.
Eddie has two sisters Breda Flood and Rita Higgins, his brothers John, Pat and Martin having passed on to their eternal reward. He has been a type 1 Diabetic for many years and recently has encountered some other medical issued which had curtailed his activities. The amount of people enquiring as to his wellbeing is an indication of the respect and huge esteem in which he was held. Those of us which lives he touched and influenced will be forever grateful for his immense contribution to Gaelic Games in East Limerick and beyond.
I would like to thank Seamus Walsh and John Cooney for such a wonderful insight into Eddie Wade life, Eddie loved the craic and all that knew Eddie were the better for it. A true gentleman and a wonderful Gael who will be forever remembered by us all on Shannon side.
Ar dheis de go raibh a anam.

Seamus McNamara
Limerick GAA Chairman