Joe 'Joey' Kirk of 26 Lennon Melia Terrace, Dundalk and formerly Belrobin, Kilkerley passed away on Saturday, August 19th, 2017. Joey was an outstanding footballer with Kilkerley Emmets in the 1970s and 1980s, winning senior league and intermediate championship honours as well as contesting the senior football championship finals of 1982 and 1986. Kilkerley were the first winners of the Louth intermediate football championship after the second-tier competition was revived and Joey togged out at full back on the side that defeated Dreadnots in the 1978 IFC final.

His brothers Tommy and Patsy were also part of the winning defence that day, while brothers Peter, John and the late Francie also wore the Primrose & Blue. Joey was also instrumental in the development and success of the Naomh Malachi ladies teams and was involved with many Louth ladies teams over the years. Joe's daughter, Orlaith, is a former Louth captain who won All-Irelands with the Wee County in 1998 and '99.