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One of handball’s
greatest ever servants, Kilkenny’s Tommy O’Brien (63), passed away this
morning (Friday) after a short illness. Tommy was Uachtarán of Comhairle
Liathróid Láimhe na hÉireann from the GAA Centenary
Year of 1984 to 1987. He was Leinster Secretary for over 30 years, continuing
in this capacity until his untimely death; he also served on several Leinster
and national committees.
Tommy had
a lifetime association with Kilkenny GAA, serving the many facets of the
Association with great pride, including work as the County Camogie PRO.
He also hosted weekly sports programmes on local radio. Tommy was an excellent
Master of Ceremonies and was always in demand for special events in his
native county.
Tommy was
also the first ever lay Principal of Kilkenny CBS, and was very popular
in this role; he will best be remembered for knowing and addressing each
boy in the school by name, a rare and fantastic trait. He was coach, advisor
and mentor to many of the top senior players in Kilkenny, including Michael
‘Ducksy’ Walsh, who won 38 All-Ireland Senior medals, providing Tommy with
some of his most treasured memories.
“He will
be hugely missed, not just by me, but the entire handball family,” said
Walsh.
“He was
like a father to me, and his dedication to handball was unbelievable; he
will never be replaced.”
Well known
as a gregarious character, Tommy travelled near and far to see handball
games and provided great commentary on the proceedings. He was also involved
in the annual handball yearbook for many years, which he completed with
his usual passion and flair.
Handball
has lost a dear friend and a loyal servant, and to his two sisters, Rene
and Gráinne, and brothers, Donal, Tadgh, Declán, Finbar,
Ciaran, Conor, and extended family, all in the Irish handball community
extend their deepest sympathies.
“A huge
void has been left in Irish handball with the passing of one of the best
known figures in the game – everyone knew and loved Tommy, and stories
and tales of his life will continue to be told for a very long time,” said
Irish Handball Council President, Tom Walsh.
Tommy will
be removed from Johnson’s Funeral Home, Kilkenny to St John’s Church tomorrow
(Saturday) evening at 5pm, with funeral mass on Sunday at 12 noon and burial
afterwards in Foulkstown Cemetery. Tommy’s legacy will live on in handball
forever; he was a friend to many and a hero to all.
Ar dheis
Dé go raibh Tomás Uasal Ó Briain.