Clann na nGael pays tribute after passing of iconic figure
Clann na Gael GAA has been plunged into mourning with the sad passing of club President, Tony Whyte.
Tony has been an iconic figure throughout most of Clann's existence, and indeed in 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.
Tony 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. Tony also won seven O'Rourke Cups and numerous tournaments with Clann in this period.
Tony captained the first of the three-in-a-row St Peter's minor winning teams in 1957. Tony trained and was involved with winning Clann teams at almost every grade of football in Roscommon over the years, from U12 right up to senior.
He was manager when the Johnstown-based club won their first Connacht 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, Tony represented the county in all grades, winning Connacht medals in junior (1959), and senior (1961 and 1962). Tony was at left half forward on the Roscommon team that lost to Kerry in the 1962 All-Ireland final.
He 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 Connacht titles in 1977 and 1978 which laid the foundations for a National League title in 1979, and an All-Ireland final appearance in 1980.
Tony served as club secretary throughout the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Tony 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 that is there today.
Tony has been a leading light and driving force behind the development of Johnstown back through 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 and Joe and his wife Teresa in recent years, Tony has always been strong in adversity, and there was a very poignant moment in Johnstown last autumn when he saw his grandson Anthony receive the cup as captain of the victorious Clann under-14 'B' team.
Tony guided, coached and managed generations of Clann and indeed Roscommon footballers for which the association is indebted.
Tony Whyte of Thomastown, Ballydangan, Athlone died peacefully last Friday, April 19, 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, Tony is deeply regretted by 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-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Clann na Gael has extended deepest sympathy to Tony's entire family and noted that loss will be felt by all. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Having reposed in the clubhouse of his beloved Clann na nGael at Johnstown on Sunday, Tony's funeral mass was celebrated yesterday (Monday) in St Brigid's Church, Drum.