Power, Tony
November 05, 2010Tony Power passed away suddenly at his home in Caherush on October 23 last.
The slogan's 'club is family' is certainly true of Tony. It was in the home of Tony's late father, Anthony, in Quilty that a group of people met in 1914 and founded the Kilmurry-Ibrickane GAA Club.
His palying days are remembered for his passion and the pride he placed in representing his native Kilmurry-Ibrickane. Tony immigrated in the 1940's and met his wife, Mae. He returned to his native Kilmurry-Ibrickane in the 1950's and found employment with the ESB at the local peat-burning generating station in nearby town land of Annagh.
It was during this time that Tony was instrumental in the rejuvenation of GAA affairs in the parish of Kilmurry-Ibrickane. His used his singlemindedness and foresight to set up an underage structure to coach young players in the skills of football in the parish.
He organised parish leagues and ensured that each player was recognised for their endeavours and participation. This was an immediate success, with the result that many underage competitions were won by Kilmurry-Ibrickane in the 1960's.
Tony had a unique approach and formed a great rapport with the younger players. For this alone, he is best remembered.
This policy certainly left a successful and enduring legacy.
In the 1970's he was one of the founder members of the Kilmurry-Ibrickane Ladies GAA club and again contribution to its development both in the parish and beyond.
It was certainly a proud moment for him to witness the culmination of what his late father started in 1914 and what he played a major role in developing when he watched Kilmurry-Ibrickane senior team run on to the hallowed ground of Croke Park on March 17 last.
Tony was pre-deceased by his son, Ben, earlier this year.
He is survived by his wife, Mae; daughters, Kay and Julia; sons, Tommy, Michael, Eamonn, Pat, Kevin and Peter, relatives and a wide circle of friends. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dhilis.
Courtesy of the Clare Champion 5/11/10 Tweet
