Aged 81, Sean was a highly respected member of the local farming community. He was a familiar face at marts throughout the country, supplying sheep to butchers in both Dublin and Sligo. Apart from farming, he had a great love for Gaelic football and played in his younger days with Emper Reds.

He won a JFC medal with the now defunct club before becoming involved with Shandonagh. He was a key player in acquiring the club's pitch in Kilpatrick and took great pride in seeing his sons Mick, Tom and the late Padraig (Poggy) line out for the club. Poggy, who predeceased his father in 2011, was a former county footballer who was physical trainer to the Westmeath team that won the Leinster title in 2004. 

Married to Brigid (Queenie), Sean was provided with a guard of honour by Shandonagh club members at his Funeral Mass. The huge numbers that attended were testament to the high esteem in which he and his family are held.