The Late Tony Casey Work may have precipitated his move to England fifty years ago but Tony Casey never lost touch with his roots nor his close affinity with his beloved Sixmilebridge. Tony, whose recent passing was greeted with a deep felt of grief both sides of the Irish sea, was an extraordinary character, a man of many talents, a man who truly valued his family and his friends. Originally from the Limerick Road in Sixmilebridge, Tony hit for the bright lights of London in the early 1950s, turning his back on a promising hurling career, one that was destined to place him in the pantheon of Clare's all time greats. In a sense, it was regrettable that he didn't remain to fulfil that undoubted promise. But it was just not hurling that Tony excelled. A recognised all rounds sportman, he was the holder of several cross country championships and he affectionately became known as 'the athlete' from his days cross country running. While she may have been many miles away, Tony made the frequent pilgrimage back whenever the opportunity arose. Indeed, Tony was a great ally to people who moved to England in that he helped out in finding them accommodation and employment. He was actively involved with the Clare diaspora abroad. Naturally hurling played a big part of his life and each and every time Sixmilebridge qualified for the county final, one man sure to be in the stand cheering them on was Tony. And if he wasn't caught for time, he invariably stayed a few days longer to savour and join in the victory celebrations. Tony was immensely proud in 2002 when Sixmilebridge won the Munster Club and were drawn to play St Martin's in Ruislip, London. When the Bridge contingent touched down in Heathrow Airport, Tony was on hand to greet them and escort them to and from the venue. He proved a very affable host and naturally was thrilled when Sixmilebridge did the business on the playing field. In his playing days, Tony won a junior A championship medal with Cappa in 1947 and five years later, as a nineteen year-old, he lined out at corner forward on the Sixmilebridge team to compete in their first ever senior county final. The Bridge scored two goals in the defeat to Scarrif and Tony scored both. He played wing forward with the Clare minors in 1950 and a year later lined up with club mate, Tommy 'Nolan' O'Gorman at midfield. Clare were beaten 1-9 to 2-3 by Cork that day and from his midfield berth Tony was Clare's top scorer, hitting a goal and two points. Within months of that '52 county final. Tony emigrated to London. He continued playing and joined the Brian Boru Club, winning London senior Championships with them. After a few years he moved to South London and joined the local Young Ireland's Club, winning a junior league medal in 1960. However, shortly afterwards he switched allegiance to Cu Chullainns and in his twenty year's involvement as a player with them he won three intermediate championship titles and one league. Tony was also a prominent referee, officiating at several county finals, the highlight being the Cork versus Tipperary final at Wembley Stadium in May 1971. After he hung up the boots and his whistle, Tony immersed himself in the administrative side of the Cu Chullainna Club. He was Chairman for several years and worked tirelessly at fund raising. His life was the GAA and not long was he a talented stickman, he loved the game with a passion. Appropriately, many of his friends and member so the Sixmilebridge Hurling Club travelled to Woolwich in London for his funeral. That they should make sure an effort reflected the esteem in which he was held. He is survived by his wife, sons, daughters, brothers, sister and their extended families. Courtesy of the Clare Champion 18th February 2005 Tweet

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