Limerick's GAA community has lost another stalwart with the recent death of Mossy Riordan of Cregane, Charleville. A native of Garryfine, just a couple of miles down the road from Cregane, Mossy came from farming stock, a trade he followed all his life. Mossy was one of Bruree's great forwards of the 1950' and 1960's and indeed played into the 1970's. Mossy had one of his proudest moments in 1957, when he was part of the Limerick Junior hurling team, which took the Munster title, defeating Cork, and went on to win All Ireland honours. But Mossy also had many proud moments with his native Bruree, being part of one of the club's most successful periods on the field of play. He was part of Bruree's Junior Hurling campaign of 1951 which resulted in the club's first county title in over 50 years. South titles in 1957 and 1963 followed, and in 1966, Mossy and Bruree went to collect a second Junior hurling campaign of 1951, which resulted in the club's first county title in over 50 years. South titles in 1957 and 1963 followed, and in 1966, Mossy and Bruree went to collect a second Junior hurling title. That year's county final against Ballybrown was played at Croom on December 18. Coincidently, Mossy was laid to rest at Colemanswell on December 18, 2008. On the field of play, Mossy sometimes played at centre field but was more often found in the forwards, regularly in later years, at full forward, where his name was often high on the list of scorers. In times of desperation, he could always be relied on to score a vital goal. A tough, skillful hurler, very strong physically, he was noted for his vision and his distribution of the ball.He played direct, first time hurling and encouraged his team mates to do likewise. During his playing years, Mossy was also involved in the administration of the club, as a committee member and as a selector at various grades. His pride in Bruree and its teams was always evident and he always followed the club's progress with great interest. Bruree GAA presented Mossy with their Hall of Fame award for 2001 to recognise his contribution to the club and to the game Mossy was one of the greats of the past who relished Bruree's 2006 Senior success. Mossy's removal from O'Malley's Funeral Home in Charleville was one of the largest seen in recent times. His medals and the number 12 Bruree jersey, as well as the Limerick jersey, attested to his sporting prowess as many friends and sporting colleagues filed past the remains. A guard of Honour from Bruree GAA were at Colmaswell Church to receive Mossy last night. Mossy is survived by Kathy, his sons and daughters and his extended family. Mossy Riordan; born September 10 1933, died December 16 2008. Tweet

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