The late Tommy Kenny is pictured (front row, centre) at the LGFA 40th anniversary celebration in Hayes' Hotel, Thurles in 2013. Back row, L-R:, Sean McMullin, Peter Rice, Cathal Friel, Walter Thompson, Michael O'Loughlin, Christy Byrne, Brendan Martin, Fran Mullin, Pat Quill. Front row: Kathleen O'Loughlin, Helen O'Rourke, Marie Hickey, Tommy Kenny, Liz Quill, Geraldine Giles, Kathleen Mullins. Photo: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE.

LGFA pays tribute to former president from Offaly

Kieran Galvin

Published: Wed 10 Feb 2021, 11:58 AM

Last updated: Wed 10 Feb 2021, 12:03 PM

LADIES Gaelic Football Association President Marie Hickey has led the tributes to Offaly native and former LGFA President Tommy Kenny, who passed away last Sunday.

The Belmont man was LGFA President from 1977 until 1979, and will be fondly remembered as a passionate supporter of Gaelic games.

A former employee at Ferbane Power Station, Tommy served as secretary with Offaly GAA clubs St Saran’s and Belmont, and he was a county board delegate for many years.

Tommy had a huge passion for hurling and football. He was a selector on Offaly minor and U21 football teams during the 1970s and 1980s, with two Leinster U21 titles achieved.

He also had a deep love of ladies Gaelic football, and current President Marie Hickey reflected: “It is with great regret that we learn of the passing of Tom Kenny, one of the founder members of our Association. Tom was passionate about the development of the game and gave incredible time and commitment to the game in the early days of the Association.

“He was very proud of the way the game has developed and loved watching the games on TG4, when he was unable to attend in person. He always remarked on the great skill levels in the game – and how the game has grown over the years.

“He had great stories of how different things were when the Association was first founded, and he loved attending the All Star awards night, to recognise the achievements of the players.

“A player-centred person, Tom was always a person that I loved to meet. He was always great to chat to, and to reflect upon the progression of the game over the years.

“On behalf of all of us at the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, I wish to extend our sympathies to Tom’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

Tommy Kenny of Faddenmore, Belmont died peacefully on February 7 in the loving care of the staff at Esker Rí Nursing Home, Clara. He was late of ESB, Shannonbridge and predeceased by his parents Kieran and Mary-Bridget and brother Paddy.

Tommy will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his brother Kieran (Barney) and sister Lil (McCann), nephews, nieces, good friend May, cousins, relatives and a wide circle of friends.

A private family Requiem Mass was celebrated in Ss. Patrick and Saran's Church, High Street on February 9, with interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.