Tribute paid to Mayo GAA and community legend on his passing

BALLINTUBBER GAA Club has paid tribute to one of the club and community's 'all-time greats', Liam O'Toole, on his death.

Liam (96), from Glasgort, died peacefully, in his Ballintubber home, surrounded by his loving wife, Teresa, and family.

Ballintubber GAA Club has paid the following tribute to him:

We extend sincere and most heartfelt condolences to the O’Toole family on the passing of one of Ballintubber’s all-time greats, Liam O’Toole.

Liam lined out for Ballintubber as far back as the 1950s and followed the club’s fortunes closely long after he hung up his boots.

Even in his 96th year, Liam was a regular attendee at club functions and matches, where he took great pride in seeing his grandson, Tiernan, wear the very red and white jersey that he wore with such distinction. Liam himself never failed to sport his beloved red tie at any such occasion.

Among his most noteworthy achievements as a player was the West Mayo junior title he won in 1960. He was also a valued member of the West Mayo panel that won the county senior title in that same year.

Though he played wing-back in Gaelic football, Liam proved his worth with the oval ball when he togged with Ballinrobe Rugby Club for a period.

Away from the football field, Liam was a fine singer and a much-valued member of the Ballintubber Abbey Choir, with whom he performed as recently as two years ago. He and his wife Teresa were also synonymous with the Barney Set Dancers for many years. Liam was also a formidable card player and loved the game of 25.

Though gifted at singing, set dancing and card playing, nothing could capture a room like Liam’s party piece - Brian Boru’s patriotic speech before the 1014 Battle of Clontarf, which he always recited with great spirit and gusto.

Liam was also a keen farmer, with a special interest in stonework, and was an employee of the Board of Works for many years. During this time, he was involved in the restoration of Ballintubber Abbey in the '60s, a church in which he sang on several occasions.

He was also a great lover of horses and loved the odd bet at his favourite racecourse in Ballinrobe.

Liam will be sadly missed by all associated with Ballintubber, to whom he remained loyal and devoted until the very end.

His passing is deeply regretted by his wife Teresa, his loving children, Maura Cuffe (Castlebar), Tommie O’Toole (Ballintubber), Margaret Rowan (Dunboyne), Noel O’Toole (Castlebar), Helen O’Toole (Seattle, USA), Ann Morley (Claremorris), Colm O’Toole (Portlaoise), Jim O’Toole (Ballintubber), Carmel Staunton (Carraholly), Monica O’Toole (Ballintubber), and Roisin Deehan (Limavady), his sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, partners, 26 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, brother, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and dear friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Reposing is at Ballintubber Resource Centre (F12T2C9) on Wednesday evening from 5 p.m., with removal at 8 p.m. to Ballintubber Abbey. Funeral Mass on Thursday at 11 a.m. with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.