All in the club are saddened to announce the passing of the great and much beloved, Tom McGarry Sr.
Tom was known far and wide as a marvel in any sport he turned his hand to. A champion handballer, he won All Ireland titles at various grades throughout the 1950’s. He tasted county football final success on three occasions with his native Treaty Sarsfields (1956, ’57, ’63). Tom’s time with the Limerick hurlers coincided with a barren spell for the county, but he got the opportunity to showcase his ability in other competitions. His inter-county success included no less than five Railway Cup triumphs (1958, ’59, ’60, ’61, ’63). The infamous Rule 27 within the GAA put an end to Tom’s inter-county career at the young age of 27, when he was excluded from playing after lining out in an inter-firm soccer competition. This afforded Tom the chance to excel in other sports, lining out for both Limerick FC and Cork Celtic, while also turning his hand to rugby where he won a Munster Senior Cup with Young Munster as captain.
After his time with Treaty Sarsfields, Tom gave great service to Claughaun both in the committee room and in coaching. But perhaps his biggest mark on the club is in fact the legacy he leaves in his children and grandchildren. Sons Tom Jr and Patrick, as well as grandsons Jamie, Gary, Kyrin, Jack and AJ all have or continue to represent the club at various grades in both codes with esteem.
Our deepest sympathies are offered to Tom’s family, enormous circle of friends and the wider GAA community who thought so fondly of him.
As memorable a sportsman as he was, the memory of Tom the gentleman shines brightest in Claughaun. Greeting all who met him at the gates of GAA grounds with a smile; Tom did right by everyone he stewarded, but paid special attention to those in club colours. A man who you looked forward to saying ‘hello’ to, and tried hard not to leave without saying ‘Goodbye’ to.
Goodbye Tom.
A genius in sport and a gentleman in life –
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Limerick GAA would like to be associated with Claughaun GAA Club in extending deepest sympathies to Tom’s family,and large circle of friends