There was widespread sadness in Wilkinstown, the surrounding area, and especially in Wolfe Tones Hurling and Football Club, following the untimely death of Tom Claire after a short illness.
Our club and local community lost a much-valued friend on 20th August last when Tom passed away. He dedicated much of his life to the GAA, and his contribution to the Wolfe Tones club cannot be overstated. He was involved in almost every aspect of the running of his beloved Wolfe Tones, and many officials, colleagues and players turned out to provide a guard of honour at his funeral.
Tom Claire was a native of Ashbourne and played his underage football there before moving to Duleek with whom he won an Intermediate championship medal in 1971.
On marrying he settled in Wilkinstown in 1972 and was a member of the St John's Kilberry panel which captured the Intermediate championship in 1974, the year before they amalgamated with Gibbstown to form the Wolfe Tones club. From then on he was dedicated to the Wolfe Tones club and was a constant figure around the playing fields of Kilberry and Gibbstown.
He was one of those great Gaels we all recognise as keeping the association going.
Committee man, fundraiser, gate man, having the pitch ready for games and present at every game from underage to All-Ireland Final. He would never shirk responsibility and was club chairman and vice-chairman for many years.
He was a team selector and attended county board meetings and annual conventions. He was to the fore in parish activities. Tom also acted as umpire with former club referee Peter Fox for several years and had great joy attending club and county games at various venues around the country.
The huge attendance at the funeral was testament to the esteem in which Tom was held. The funeral took place from St John the Baptist Church, Kilberry to Fletcherstown cemetery.
To his wife Maura, sons Jeremy, Ronan and Darryl, his sister Marie and mother-in-law Bridget we extend our deepest sympathy.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.