It is with a real heavy heart that we learn of another dark dark cloud that has ascended over Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA Club this morning with the sad news that Kathleen Tormey passed away peacefully last night.

Kathleen, wife of past Club and County Board Chairman Conor Tormey passed away after what can only be described as a heroic battle with illness that started over 14 years ago. She fought this fight with unbelievable dignity and strength and carried her cross without ever complaining or showing anger and is an inspiration to us all.

Many of our newer club members might not have been lucky enough to meet Kathleen but those of us who were extremely fortunate to have met her know that she was the epitome of “A True Lady”. A quiet spoken woman she was never heard to have a bad word about anyone. Coming from a GAA strong family where her father Pat Twomey was past club chairman she herself played Camogie with the club and severed as club secretary for years. During her time as club secretary our club, like Ashbourne itself was going through a huge transition she was the most welcoming of people who made this writer and many more newer members feel part of the Donaghmore Ashbourne family from the initial handshake and introduction. Her warm and caring attitude was always to the fore and she made us feel at home straight away. As club secretary, when correspondence was by phone call and traditional letter she held the position with distinction and was extremely efficient. She was highly respected within the club, at county Board level and by all clubs around the county. She had a great ability to quietly overcome any issue that was presented to her and make things work.

She also worked behind the bar in the Wotton on a Monday and Wednesday night in addition to functions held our old club house. Even outside of these times should would be seen in the Wotton always trying to improve things for our members.

She was an unbelievably hard club worker and was always there to help with any event but Kathleen, being Kathleen was a woman who worked quietly and much preferred to be in the background working hard and let others be up the front taking the limelight.

She was a very religious person and this was always reflected at the end of any encounter or call when she would close with the most sincere “God Bless”.

Our condolences go to Conor who lost his wife, his rock and his best friend, to her mother Phyllis and brothers Greg, Eugene, Timmy, and Johnny together with all her extended family and friends on the loss of such a beautiful and warm person.

Kathleen really deserves a full traditional GAA send-off but due to Government advice and restrictions regarding public gatherings and to protect our most vulnerable family, friends and community members a private family funeral will take place. In a way one cannot help but have a quiet smile and think Kathleen would prefer it this way and that there is no fuss made over her not even in death itself.

Kathleen, we all sincerely hope from the bottom of all our hearts that you are eternally rewarded for your suffering and that God holds his hand in welcome for you just like you done for so many of us in the past. To our sister and friend we cannot but conclude without a final “God Bless”

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

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