The Late Tommy McShane DUN DROMA CLG and the entire village of Dundrum was deeply saddened at the death of one of its greatest stalwarts, Tommy McShane, RIP. It was some 60 years ago that Tommy left his native Crossmaglen and came to Dundrum to take up work as a farm labourer. As there was no club in Dundrum at that time, his love of gaelic football led him to join Annsboro' where he played in the team which lost in the Junior Championship final to Lower Mourne in 1949. Two years later Tommy was instrumental in reforming the local club which entered the East Down League. Tommy's ability was recognised by the county selectors and he made his Senior inter-county debut for Down against Fermanagh in 1952. The highlight of his inter-county career came in 1958 when he was a member of the Down Junior team that won the Ulster Junior Champsionship for the first time, beating Magheragh in the final. Tommy was a skilful player who also greatly enjoyed the physical side of the game, never more so than in the closely contested derbies with parish rivals Ballykinlar. An all-round sportsman at this time Tommy became a qualified PE coach and was a keen runner and member of the NACA Athletics club which operated in Dundrum at the time. Tommy's playing career ended in the mid-1960s when the Pru transferred him to Enniskillen, which coincided with the folding of the Dundrum club. On his return to the area in 1972, Tommy quickly set about reforming the club and in the following years was closely involved in all aspects of the club's affairs. It was in this era that he made his biggest contributions to the club when, with a small group of men including the late Jack Kielty, Jarlath Carey, Pat Lennon and Brian Cunningham, he oversaw the planning and development of the current pitch in Dundrum. Tommy brought his natural intelligence, wit and common sense to the negotiations with local land-owners, planning authorities and grant bodies. However, it wasn't just the paperwork, vitally important though that was, in which Tommy got involved. He was never afraid to get his hands dirty and was often found in the field carting away stones and sowing seed. Tommy was an inspiring and passionate supporter of Dún Droma CLG all his life. As joint president, the club benefitted greatly from his experience, knowledge and wise counsel. His greatest enjoyment in recent years was in watching the club's junvenile teams in which his grandchildren frequently starred. Many a sad young face coming off the field was brightened by Tommy's pat on the back and a few well chosen words of encouragement. "You're a far better player than your father ever was" being frequently heard. Tommy never lost his regard for his native county and there was no prouder man in Ireland in late September 2002 when he witnessed Armagh win the Sam Maguire. For many weeks there after the Armagh flag was proudly flown on Dundrum's Main Street and dare any Down man suggest it be taken down! A man of the greatest integrity and highest standards, Tommy will be sadly missed by all those who knew him. It was a fitting testament to his life and the affection in which he was held that his funeral was the largest seen in Dundrum for many years. Dún Doma CLG extends its deepest sympathies to his entire family circle. Laoch calma a bhí ann í gcúrsrai lúth - cleasa a chothaigh na cluichí Ghaelacha, an pheíl go h-airithe, agus a chuir snas orthu fa cheantar Dun Droma, obair mhór a choinneoidh a anam agus a chlú í cuimhne ar na paírceanna imeartha chan amhaiu í ndeisceart an Duín ach ar thailte niós fade ar shiúl. Go raibh síochaín shiorraí aige. Courtesy of the Mourne Observer, November, 2004. Tweet

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