Roscommon club mourns its President who had an ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of local Gaelic Games’

A County Roscommon GAA Club is mourning the passing of its Club President who wore his club and county colours with distinction.

Pádraig Pearses Club President, Tom Turley, Derrylahan, Athlone, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

In a post on social media, the reigning county senior football champions paid tribute to the late Mr Turley, reflecting that he possessed an “encyclopaedic knowledge of local Gaelic Games” and was the heartbeat of the club’s formation from 1962 onwards.

“Tom, from Derrylahan in the parish of Moore was born to Michael and Bridget Turley into a family of four boys and six girls.

“From an early age, this big, tall, strong blonde young man seemed destined to shine on the football field. That he did, as a young player he proudly represented the parish of Moore.

“From 1962 onwards, he quickly became the indisputable and inspirational leader of the newly formed Pádraig Pearses team, which brought together Moore, Taughmaconnell and Creagh.

“In fact, despite his young years, he was involved with others who were years senior to him in bringing the reality of our current club to fruition. Thereafter, he came to symbolise what the Pádraig Pearses club could be, should be and is,” recalled the club.

The statement went on to say that Mr Turley won Connacht SFC medals with Roscommon in 1961 and 1962, and played against Kerry in the 1962 All-Ireland SFC final.

He also won a trio of Scór Sinsear county titles on the Pádraig Pearses team that achieved success in 1993, 2000 and 2001.

“In more recent years, Tom's honesty of endeavour in fostering and promoting all club activities in his role as Club President was the epitome of our club motto ‘Ní neart go cur le chéile’ — ‘In unity there is strength’.

“Tom's passion for following our club teams in all codes never waned, and in recent months he would still discuss with every visitor when he could next get to a match.

“His delight was clear when he got to witness the successes of our club teams, and only a few short months ago, he took supreme joy from the visit of the Fahey Cup to Derrylahan after last year's county senior football final success.” 

The late Tom Turley is predeceased by his parents Michael and Bridget Turley, brothers-in-law PJ Galvin and Pat Hynes, and niece Marie.

He is deeply mourned by his brothers Michael, Sean, and Patrick (twin); sisters Mary Hynes, Bridget Murphy, Nancy Galvin, Peggy Hynes, Joan Ryan, and Kitty Cunniffe; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; aunts Margaret Finn and Una Ashe; nephews, nieces, grand nieces and nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Reposing at Pádraig Pearses GAA Clubhouse, Woodmount , Ballinasloe (H53 E398) on Thursday evening between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.. 

Mass of the Resurrection on Friday at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Moore, (N37 XH52) followed by burial in Moore New Cemetery.

May he Rest In Peace.