The Late Tommy Cunningham The recent sad and sudden death of Tommy Cunningham has evoked much sorrow in the Mullabrack area. Tommy who died from injuries received in a road traffic accident on Christmas night, was very well respected by all sides of the community as was testified by the large turnout at his funeral. He had a great interest in Gaelic football throughout his life as a player, administrator and supporter. He was a selector for the 1953 Armagh team that played Kerry in the All-Ireland that year. Tommy was also the county board delegate for Mullabrack during this time. He travelled extensively throughout the country in support of his beloved Armagh and had attended quite a few All-Ireland finals. He was also involved in his local club both as a player and at committee level. His playing career spanned from the 1930's through to the mid 1950's. When his playing days ended Tommy turned his energies into helping the committee of that time. In the early 1970's when the land on which the present football pitch and clubrooms is now situated was purchased, it was Tommy's financial assistance which secured the sale of the ground. Later Tommy would be named as a trustee and became a member of the grounds committee to develop the site into the present complex. In later years Tommy was named as president of O'Donnabhain Rosa GFC, Mullabrack. Indeed it was a fitting tribute to a man who had put so much into this small rural club. The large turnout of players and committee, both past and present, who formed the guard of honour and took part in the funeral liturgy bore huge testimony to the esteem in which Tommy was held. Speaking afterwards in the parochial hall, Seamus Mallon who played alongside Tommy on the team of the 1950's paid a glowing and heartfelt tribute to the man who was not only a friend to him but indeed a friend to all of the O'Donnabhain Rosa club. May his gentle soul rest in peace and may his reward be great in heaven. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal. Courtesy of the Armagh Observer 28th January 2005 Tweet

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