Byrne, Tony
January 10, 2002
Tony Byrne, 40 Avondale Drive, Athy, late of Ballyadams and Glencolumbcille Donegal, passed away last Tuesday week and the news shocked the entire community of Ballyadams and beyond.
He died after a short illness, in care in St Francis' Medical Centre, Mullingar. Tony's last journey to St Josephs Church in Ballyadams and to the local St Josephs graveyard on Thursday last was a sombre procession.
A friend, mentor, support to so many. A man who gave his life to gaelic games, and in particular St Josephs football. Tony Byrne was what the GAA is all about. His passing may not have shocked the GAA world at national level, but in times of great changes in the Association, Tony Byrne will always be fondly remembered as one of the great intellects of the Gaelic Athletic Association.
A visionary and great motivator, Tony Byrne arrived in Laois from his homeplace in Donegal in 1954 and taught the young children of Ballyadams as principal of the local national school.
His impact in the area was soon to unfold. He noticed the potential of the young footballers in the parish, and helped turn three junior clubs into one mighty senior football force.
By 1967, Josephs were junior champions. '69 they were intermediate champions and in 1973 they won the Laois senior football championship. It was Tony Byrne's brainchild, his belief that Josephs would be a proud football force in the county of Laois and beyond.
The St Josephs club, with a unique philosophy of being all for club and county, has gone from strength to strength. They have offered wonderful talented and committed footballers to the county over the years - many sent on the road to success with the philosophy of Tony Byrne.
Tony Byrne helped unite the parish of Ballyadams in a football sense. And his talents were two fold. He had a wonderful coaching ability, which saw him serve Laois as a selector in the early eighties and be a selector with his club right up to his final years - last year, at 70 Tony was a junior selector with Josephs.
His footballing principal for coaching teams was to have young footballers expressing themselves to the full, he passed on the skills and encouraged flair.
Tony also served on the juvenile board of Laois and was a very active club administrator in various roles, the soul of discretion and a provider of sound advice.
Another great love of Tony's was his music. A keen fiddle player, Tony loved the old celtic traditions and the Irish language. He was among the great musicians of the area, and a regular attendant at traditional sessions throughout south Laois and in Athy. He regularly recalled his annual return journeys to Donegal, and visits to a musical shop in Derry where only they could provide suitable strings for Tony's fiddle.
A man who loved social occasions but never drank, he enjoyed the company of young and old and was never shy of offering an opinion on a variety of topics.
His great love for his home county of Donegal and its people who etched on Tony Byrne's face.
As a teacher Tony loved local history, and it was a common assignment for pupils to return to their homes and research old tales and folklore from previous generations. These were then compiled and a valuable history of the area recorded.
At his Requiem Mass, Fr Adrian Carberry, a former footballer with St Josephs, spoke eloquently about Tony's life and loves. He was laid to rest on the birthday of his wife, Moira who died in her forties. Fr Adrian spoke of the genius of the man, and anyone who had just a passing acquaintance with Tony could not deny that very impression.
Edmund Barry, former Football Board Chairman and one of the great club officials of St Josephs, delivered a wonderful and fitting graveside oration in memory of the late Tony Byrne. Edmund recalled Tony as a man who was never slow in putting you right, a man with a big heart and wonderful love for all things Irish.
His coffin was carried by members of St Josephs GAA club in to St Josephs Church in Ballyadams and on his final journey to the graveside, former and present day players provided a guard of honour.
To so many generations of Ballyadams people, Tony Byrne was simply 'The Master'. His time among the people of the area and the people of Laois is filled with wonderful memories of a wonderful gentleman.
Tony's passing is deeply regretted by Martin, loving sisters Kathleen and Maire, brothers in law, nephews, relatives and friends.
Ar dheis de go raibh a anam
- Brian Keyes
courtesy of the
Leinster Express, November 2001
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