One of St Michael's GAA club's former greats was laid to rest in Dunfanaghy on Wednesday afternoon last. Tony Langan, a native of Cresslough, passed away at Letterkenny General Hospital in the early hours of Monday, June 7th after a short illness. He was 75. As his remains were taken from the Church in Cresslough before his final journey, members of the St Michael's club formed a guard of honour.

In a tribute penned by Tony's eldest son, Liam, which was read out from the altar at the end of the funeral mass, he recalled the life and times of his father with great fondness.
"Tony never asked for anything and never wanted to put anyone to any trouble. All anyone could do, according to Tony, was their best. Tony's first great passion was meeting people and he was well known the length and breadth of the country. Indeed, he had many close friends much further afield - in Strabane, London, Sligo, Huddersfield and Glasgow. In Donald McLaughlin's words, Tony was very loyal. Once you became a friend of Tony's you were a friend for life."
As a butcher, Liam said Tony loved to wheel and deal.

"For him, getting the luckspenny was the key to shaking hands on any deal. If he didn't need the van for work, he certainly needed it for all the people he brought with him on his famous expeditions. And these were many. When he set out on the road, a trip to Letterkenny would normally be via Milford with a detour to Churchill and in some cases Monaghan as his nephews can vouch for. In more recent times, a trip to Dunfanaghy would take in Cresslough. Every journey of Tony's involved Cresslough. And today is no exception," he commented.
"Tony's other great passion was football and he was a founding member of St Michael's GAA Club. He loved playing gaelic football and on the pitch he displayed great determination and possessed a great flair for the game. Anyone who played with him will tell you that when he went to field a ball, not only did the opposition get out of his way, his own team mates did as well. His passion for football remained with him. He kept a keen interest in the fortunes of Finn Harps and always kept tabs on St Michaels progress, be it at home at The Bridge or when they were playing away. No doubt he'll continue to look out for all the football results from his new seat," Liam said.
"The family would like to thank everyone who was a good friend to Tony down through the years. His generosity and quiet and unassuming nature endeared him to so many. In essence, Tony was a good man who was loyal to those who were loyal to him."
On behalf of the Langan family, Liam thanked everyone for all the care, support and consideration given to Tony over the last number of weeks.

A special thanks to Catriona and Denise in Medical Two who cared for him with great kindness and compassion. For this we know Tony was extremely grateful," he said.

At the graveside in Dunfanaghy, St Michael's stalwart, Danny Lafferty, paid tribute to Tony, describing him as one of the club's finest footballers. He spoke of his loyalty to the club down the years and the enjoyment he got when the club won the junior, under-21 and intermediate championships.

Toy is survived by his wife Annie, sons Liam, Donagh and Anthony, daughters Collette and Ann Marie, his brother Danny, Cresslough, sister Bridie O'Donnell, Letterkenny and a large circle of family and friends. Smypathy is extended to all on their sad loss.

- Courtesy of Donegal Democrat, June 17, 2010 Tweet

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