Roscommon GAA chief leads tributes to ‘dedicated and loyal’ club president

Roscommon GAA Chairperson, Brian Carroll, has led the tributes to a popular club president who passed away over the weekend.

Paul Tansey, President of St. Michael’s GAA Club since 2021, was described as a “dedicated and loyal supporter” of his club and county.

He was a lifetime member of the North Roscommon club, serving as club chairperson in 1995, 1996, 1997, and in 1999, and was a player at all levels, underage and adult.

“Paul was a lovely man who I had the pleasure of getting to know through the late Dermot Cox. Paul was one of the proudest men I met in Hyde Park when St. Michael’s were crowned junior champions last October,” said Mr. Carroll.

In a tribute, St. Michael’s highlighted that the late Paul Tansey was a member of the Ardcarne Sports Complex committee who endlessly fundraised in the 1980s.

He served as a selector with numerous club teams, including the Northern Championship and Tansey Cup-winning team of 1988.

“Paul was so happy last year when St. Michael’s won the Tansey Cup and Junior A championship double. He was a loyal supporter attending games down the years. He enjoyed and loved the county final day in the Hyde and had high hopes for the Connacht club junior football quarter-final in Tuam Stadium last November,” said the club in a statement.

“The official opening of Ardcarne Park in 1996 was a testament to Paul’s commitment as chairman in bringing together the GAA club and Ardcarne Park Development Committee to provide the best possible facilities for everyone.

“Paul was the first chairperson in 1999 of ladies’ football in the club. He encouraged, promoted and assisted to establish ladies’ football in St. Michael’s.

“All those memories and stories will now be valued treasures for us, not to be forgotten. Roscommon football will no longer have a most dedicated and loyal supporter who followed the Primrose and Blue down the years,” the statement continued.

The club noted that the late Mr Tansey was “extremely proud” of St. Michael’s and Roscommon.

“While he lived in Rathcoole away from his origins of his beloved Rockingham, he never forgot the club or lost interest in the players, teams and events.

“Paul was well-liked and respected and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was dedicated to our club, and we thank him for his lifetime of service and support.” 

The club extended its sympathy to his sister Christina and his brother Liam, sisters-in-law Vida, Patricia and Joan, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

As a mark of respect, last Saturday’s O’Gara Cup game between St. Michael's and Kilmore was postponed.

The late Paul Tansey will repose at his residence in Rathcoole (D24 TN 24) on Monday, April 15th, from 12.30 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. followed by removal to St. Michael's Ardcarne Park Centre, Cootehall (F52 YY03) reposing from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m..

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Michael's Church, Cootehall, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, on Tuesday, April 16th, at 12 noon, with interment afterwards in Ardcarne Cemetery.