Death of Geraldines Legend IN ANY era Tom 'Stylo' O'Riordan will rank among the all time greats of the Geraldines club. Sadly he answered the Final Call after battling against ill health for some considerable time past. 'Stylo' was given his nickname because of that elegant presence he displayed on the playing field, be it in a hurling or football game. He was equally adept at both and rendered the Gers extraordinary service throughout a remarkable playing career that carried on until he had reached, or perhaps even exceeded the half century mark. In fact to this day I can still vividly see him making a mockery of the passing years and guiding Geraldines to a famous county junior hurling championship victory at Fraher Field when he was at least fifty years young. Playing at wing back he turned in the proverbial stormer, and unless I'm greatly mistaken was voted man-of-the-match. It was my pleasure to have known and befriended 'Stylo' for the bones of forty years. It was a friendship that I greatly valued, and never more so now that he has departed this earthly scene. He lived for, and loved, the GAA, the games, and the craic that is part of this great sporting organisation. He also lived for and loved Waterford, and followed the county the length an breath of the country to lend his support. His affable, outgoing, personality was a genuine delight to share, and I'm not at all certain that we'll meet his likes again. The came literally from the highways and the byways to pay their final respects to him with the coffin fittingly draped in the Geraldines colours. And the most poignant moment of all came when his lifelong friend and renowned country and western singer, Paddy O'Brien, sang his big hit song 'Never Grow Old' as the coffin was being taken from the church in Aglish last Friday. It was a moment that would move mountains. To 'Stylo's' wife Mary, his brother Mike, sister Margaret,and extended family the column extends its deepest sympathy.Go ndeine Dia trocaire ar a anam dilis. Courtesy of the Waterford News and Star, September 2004. Tweet

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