The Late Tony Byrne Tony Byrne, 40 Avondale Drive, Athy, Co. Kildare and late of Glencolumbkille, a very noted Gael, passed away recently at Ballyadams and the news came as a shock to the entire community where he lived as well as in his birthplace in Donegal. Tony's journey from Glencolumbkille to Athy was a long and winding road with much of his years spent in Ballyadams, Co. Laois, where he moved to in 1954. It was quickly apparent that there was footballing skill in abundance in the parish but fragmented due to the presence of three unsuccessful junior teams. Tony concluded that uniting the teams was the only sensible option so they commenced with an underage team in 1954 which went on to win the U12 Championship that year. Once success had been tasted there was only one way there after. That team went on to win every under age, junior and intermediate honour on the way to their first Senior Championship Success in 1975. His achievements with St Josephs GAA Club have been comrnemorated with the opening of Tony Byrne Park by Uachtaran Cumann Luchchleas Gael President Nicky Brennan on June 2nd 2008. Within the large crowd on the day were his sister Kathleen O'Donnell (Stranakirka, Carrick) and numerous members of his extended family. Courtesy of the Donegal Democrat 12 JUne 2008 Tweet

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