White, Liam
April 30, 2004
The Late Liam White
Laois Hurling followers bade farewell to the captain of the last Laois Hurling team to win a Leinster Hurling title when Paddy Rustichizko was laid to rest on March 7.
On Sunday, April 11 Liam White another member of the team passed away, having been in failing health for a few years, his death still came as a shock to his family and close friends.
Liam was an only son, whose father William ran a very successful licensed premises in Main Street, Borris-in-Ossory.
It was fitting then that Liam junior would follow in his fathers success. In his early playing days Liam lined out Kilcotton, before moving to Borris-in-Ossory.
His talent was quickly recognised by the county selectors and in that famous victory over Kilkenny, Liam White was outstanding as he was in the All-Ireland semi-final over Galway, alas the dream of an All-Ireland medal eluded Liam and his colleagues.
He continued to wear the jersey but after a Leinster Final defeat by Wexford two years later, this team had come to an end. Liam White won the admiration of friends and foe alike. On learning of his death, Tipperarys Captain in the All-Ireland final, Pat Stakelum said, "Laois had lost a great sportsman and business man".
Pat, knew Liam for many years as a traveller with Dwans of Thurles and many's a ball was pucked over the bar counter during Pat's travels. Pat Stakelum was among the many people who travelled to Borris-in-Ossory for Liam's final journey.
His team mate and lifelong friend Paddy Lalor of Abbeyleix delivered a graveside oration - he told of how Liam had been a huge support for him, not alone on the pitch but during his political career, he would miss him dearly. Fr Jackie Robinson also paid tribute and said he had learned his hurling skills in that great nursery, Saint Kiernan's Kilkenny.
There too was other former team mates, Pat O'Brien, Borris-in-Ossory, and Paddy McCormack, others were unable to attend.
Liam is mourned by his daughters and one son to whom deepest sympathy is extended. Laois GAA has lost another stalwart, little did these gallant men of forty nine realise that they would never see their feats equalled.
Courtesy of the Leinster Express, April 2004.
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