Padraig Pearses GAA pay tribute following death of Club President

Padraig Pearses GAA have paid a warm tribute to Club President Tom Turley who passed away on Wednesday.

In a social media post, the club said that Tom was instrumental to the formation of Padraig Pearses in 1962 describing him as the "indisputable" and "inspirational leader" of the newly formed team which brought together players from Moore, Taughmaconnell and Creagh.

'Tom, from Derrylahan in the parish of Moore, was born to Michael and Bridget Turley into a family of four boys and six girls.

'From an early age this big, tall, strong blonde young man seemed destined to shine on the football field. As a young player he proudly represented the parish of Moore.

'Despite his young years he was involved with others who were years senior to him in bringing the reality of our current club to fruition.

'Thereafter he came to symbolise what the Pádraig Pearses club could be, should be and is. For Tom, the 'red and white' was and is everything.'

The club paid tribute to Tom's achievements in "primrose and blue" jersey of Roscommon with whom he won Connacht Championship medals in 1961 and 1962, playing against Kerry in the 1962 All Ireland senior football championship final.

'Tom had an encyclopedic knowledge of local gaelic games, among other topics, and won a trio of Scór sinsear county titles on our Tráth na gCeist team who achieved success in 1993, 2000 and 2001.

'In more recent years, Tom's honesty of endeavour in fostering and promoting all club activities in his role as Club President was the epitome of our club motto "Ní neart go cur le chéile" - "In unity there is strength".

'Tom's passion for following our club teams in all codes never waned, and in recent months he would still discuss with every visitor when he could next get to a match. His delight was clear when he got to witness the successes of our club teams, and only a few short months ago he took supreme joy from the visit of the Fahy Cup to Derrylahan after last year's county senior football final success. Codladh sámh Tom agus go ndéana dia trocaire ar d'anam.'

The club extended its sympathies to Tom's extended family, particularly his brothers Michael, Sean and Patrick, his sisters Mary (Hynes), Bridget (Murphy), Nancy (Galvin), Peggy (Hynes), Joan (Ryan) and Kitty (Cunniffe), as well as Tom's brothers in law, sisters in law, aunts Margaret Finn and Una Ashe, nephews, nieces, grand nieces and nephews, relatives, neighbours and wide circle of friends.

'The club will form a guard of honour as Tom departs Woodmount for the final time tonight (Thursday) at 8pm. Please attend and wear club colours.'

Tom will repose at Pádraig Pearses GAA Club this evening (Thursday) from 4pm to 8pm before removal back to Derrylahan.

Mass of the Resurrection will take place on Friday at 11am in St. Mary’s Church Moore, (N37 XH52) followed by burial in Moore New Cemetery.