Tributes paid following passing of Roscommon man synonymous with New York GAA
The late Terry Connaughton.
Tributes are being paid following the passing on Tuesday, April 21st of Athleague native Terry Connaughton, a man synonymous with New York GAA for decades.
A lifelong Roscommon GAA supporter, Terry established the popular Connaughton’s Riverdale Steak House bar and restaurant in the west Bronx in 1979. The venue became a focal point for the Irish community and a regular gathering place for visitors from his native county.
Terry and his family also maintained strong ties with home and were regular visitors to Ireland over many years.
Before entering the hospitality business, Terry spent two years in the US army and 20 years in the New York City Police Department.
Prior to emigrating to New York in 1952, Terry played hurling and football at club and county level. He brought that love of Gaelic Games Stateside, enjoying a long playing career before later becoming a central figure in New York GAA administration.
He was Vice-President of the New York Board from 1971 to 1973 before becoming President in 1974. He also held the latter role in 1988 and 89. The 1988 term was an historic one for New York as it was the first year that New York GAA was affiliated with Croke Park.
Terry is also credited with getting ladies football up and running in New York. In November 1991, he called the very first meeting to organise ladies football in New York and the game has completely taken off since. He served as Chairperson of the New York Ladies GAA Board for the first four years of its existence and invested enormous time and effort into developing the game.
Among the many tributes, New York Ladies GAA said it was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Terry Connaughton, “a true pioneer of New York Ladies GAA”.
“In 1999, he was fittingly elevated to Lifetime President, and later named Honorary President of the New York Ladies Board.
“He understood the importance of strong ties between New York and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association in Ireland, helping secure affiliation with the LGFA. Following a successful All-Star tour, Terry was instrumental in New York entering the Junior All-Ireland series, where they went on to reach three All-Ireland finals.
“Today, ladies football in New York is thriving - arguably more popular than in many counties at home in Ireland - a testament to the foundation he built. Terry was a great ambassador for the game, and took immense pride in its continued growth, especially at underage level, even having the joy of watching his own granddaughters play, something few could have imagined at that first meeting in 1991.
“Simply put, New York GAA would not be the same without him - and Ladies GAA here would not exist at all. We extend our sympathies to his wife, children, extended family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,” said New York Ladies GAA.
Reposing will be held on Friday, April 24th from 3-8 p.m. at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday, April 25th at St. Margaret of Cortona Church, Bronx, at 9.15 a.m.. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, NY.
