Foster, Christy

Born and bred in Claremorris, Christy Foster (92) was one of life's true gentlemen and when news of his passing becameknown across the region last week, everybody had a tale to tell.

Probably best known for his love of greyhounds, Christy trained many a winner over the years and was a regular on the roads around Claremorris with several obedient hounds in tow. His awards in this field over the years are far too many to mention. Of course the older generation would remember Christy's magnificent aptitude for cross-country running. A Connacht champion many times over, Christy excelled in his sport. After hearing of his passing,another well-known Claremorris man, Cormac Hanley, recalled an occasion when Christy ran rings around him and his team mates one day in Keane's field. "We were in our prime and Christy was 25 years our senior but that didn't stand in his way. He was an absolute legend," Cormac smiled.

Christy was also heavily involved with GAA in the town and was one of the central figures behind the development of the GAA pitch on the Ballyhaunis road in Claremorris a long number of years ago. As well as playing football, Christy was also a great coach and mentor and when injuries struck , the players would line up at Christy's door and he'd quickly tease out every ache and pain.

Christy was one of the first to receive the Hall of Fame Award from Claremorris GAA Club when it was established in the 1980s and even as recently as February, he was proud as punch to be among the invited guests when Micheal O Muircheartaigh visited Claremorris to officially open the new GAA complex.

As well as sport, Christy had many jobs over the years - his milk run for George Brennan; working with local vet Sean Burke; and as a loyal servant for An Post. Probably his most memorable position though - at least as far as this reporter is concerned - was his very special job each and every Christman. To this day I believe Christy really was one of Santa's helpers!

Sadly Christy lost his wife some 35 years ago. But not before the couple had three children they were both so proud of - Marie (Mitchelstown) and Tom and John (Claremorris).
Large numbers turned out at Christy's funeral to pay their final respects to a man they loved so dearly and as his remains were brought to the Church, it was quite fitting that a greyhound followed the hearse every step of the way.

-Western People 5th July 2011 Tweet

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