Simon Deignan

Simon Deignan (1922 – September 2006) was a former Gaelic footballer for the Cavan county team, and a referee.

Early life and family Deignan was born in 1922 in Mullagh, County Cavan, Ireland.

His grandnephew is the Dublin footballer Jonny Cooper.

Playing career A native of Mullagh. Deignan won an All-Ireland Minor Football Championship medal in 1938. He formed a brilliant half back partnership with P. J. Duke & J. J. O'Reilly that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final in the Polo Grounds, New York in 1947. He was again one of the Breffni county’s stars in the ’48 All-Ireland Final double success. He also won the National Football League in 1949/50 season. He won numerous Railway Cup medals with Ulster.

He was also a noted referee, officiating at the 1950, 1954 and 1958 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Finals.

Death He died in September 2006 in Bon Secours Hospital, Glasnevin, aged 84. His funeral took place from the Church of Our Mother of Divine Grace, Ballygall Road East to Dardistown cemetery.