GAA community in County Roscommon mourns an iconic figure

The Clann na Gael community and the GAA community throughout the county have been plunged into mourning with the sad passing of Clann na Gael club president, Tony Whyte.

Tony from Thomastown, Ballydangan, passed away peaceful on Friday, after a short illness, surrounded by his family, in the tender care of the staff of Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe.

Predeceased by his beloved wife Teresa and sons Tony and Joe, he is deeply regretted by his heartbroken daughters, Marie, Sandra and Therese; sons, Paul, Ollie & Mark; daughter- in-law, sons-in-law, adored grandchildren; sister, Ann (Kennedy); brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours & friends.

“Tony has been an iconic figure throughout most of Clann's existence, and indeed Roscommon and the wider GAA Community. Tony has served the club as a player, coach, manager, club officer, historian, and Roscommon as a player and trainer/manager,” said the club.

He first played for Clann as a 16 year old in the senior championship in 1955, while still attending Garbally College. Over the next 24 years he won six county senior championships, captaining the team in 1961, 1966 and 1970, and also as trainer/player for 76, 77,and 79. He also won seven O’Rourke cups and numerous tournaments with Clann in this period. He captained the first of the three-in-a-row St Peter's minor winning teams in 1957. He trained and was involved with winning Clann teams at almost every grade of football in Roscommon over the years, from U-12 right up to senior.

He was manager when we won the first Connaught club championship in 1982, and the next one in 1984. Tony was equally as successful with Roscommon, and in a playing career that ran from the late 1950s to 1970, he represented the county in all grades, winning Connaught medals in junior (1959), and senior (1961 and 1962). He was at left half forward on the Roscommon team that lost to Kerry in the 1962 All-Ireland final, and had the distinction of being selected for the Ireland team who at that time played the combined universities side in an annual representative game, a precursor to the later inaugurated All Stars.

“Tony later trained and managed Roscommon senior team, guiding them to Connaught titles in 1977 and 1978 which laid the foundations for a national league title in 1979, and an All-Ireland final appearance in 1980.

“He served as club secretary throughout the 1960s and into the early 1970s. He also served as club Chairman. In 1984 Tony produced a comprehensive club history book, and in later years created the wonderful and unique Clann museum, which is a great attraction to all visitors to Johnstown. He was also instrumental in reviving ladies football in Clann in the late 1980s leading to the thriving and successful club we have today.

“Tony has been a leading light and driving force behind the development of Johnstown back the years and there is very little aspects of Clann na Gael and Johnstown that don't have the influence or imprint of Tony. Having to suffer the sad loss of his sons Tony, Joe and late wife Teresa in recent years, Tony has always been strong in adversity, and what was a very poignant moment in Johnstown last Autumn when he saw his grandson Anthony receive the cup as captain of the victorious Clann U.14B team.

“Tony Whyte has guided, coached and managed generations of Clann and indeed Roscommon footballers for which the association is indebted.

"To his daughters Marie, Sandra and Threase, his sons. Paul, Oliver and Mark, his sister Ann Kennedy, sons in law, daughters in law, adored grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, relatives and friends, Clann na Gael extends our deepest sympathy to you. His loss will be felt by all. Ar dheis De go roimh a hAnim,” said the club.

 Tony will repose in the clubhouse at Johnstown tomorrow (Sunday) from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. with funeral mass on Monday at 11 a.m. in Drum Church. followed by burial in Drum Cemetery.