The late Tom O'Brien East Limerick mourned the passing of one of the better known personalities in the division in the person of Tom O'Brien, Clonteen, Cappamore. His untimely passing at the age of 47, came as a shock to the hurling and gaelic football enthusiasts in the East of the county and in particular in Doon, where he gave glorious service to the GAA. His love of the games were not confined to local level, but extended to all clubs in the East in his capacity as PRO with the East Limerick Board. He contributed weekly notes of GAA affairs to the Limerick Leader and these were read by the lovers of Gaelic games in every corner or the world. He had a vast knowledge of the games and he could be classed as a historian in his own right. While he played hurling for many years - he was captain of the Doon third string which won the 1994 Junior B championship, it was his writings and collection of GAA material that he will be best remembered. His history of Doon GAA is one of the best in the county in his particular field and its a fitting memorial to one who worked and loved hurling. Tom O'Brien will forever hold a special place in the GAA lore of East Limerick. This division is 60 years old this year and Tom had planned to celebrate the event with an East Limerick history. This project is to be completed by friends of Tom. Many tributes were paid to Tom at the funeral Mass in Cappamore last Monday and in Doon cemetery, Pat Fitzgerald, County Board Chairman, delivered an oration with emphasis on the work of Tom and his love of gaelic games and for the many players who never went beyond the Junior B grade. These were as important to a man who left us last Saturday as the greats who played at county level every Sunday. Tom always was aware of the contribution of the lesser known hurler or footballer and it was this last asset that won him the respect and admiration of the Gaels of Limerick and beyond. A few short years ago Tom was fortunate to secure tickets for the Grand Prix in Barcelona, an event which fascinated him. He had been employed with Advance Tyres, Cathedral Place, Limerick. He will be sadly missed. Courtesy of the Limerick Leader July 2004 Tweet

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