Community mourns the loss of Clara GAA legend Peter Touhey

The Clara community is in mourning following the peaceful passing of Peter Touhey, who is remembered by Clara GAA as “one of our greatest ever footballers”.

From his earliest days, Peter played every grade of football for the club and participated in all levels of underage hurling. Known for his “magical” skill, “blistering pace, and two deadly feet" he had the rare talent to score from almost any angle.

Like many players of the 1950s, Peter honed his abilities in the Town Leagues, lining out for Erry in both football and hurling.

He first made headlines in 1955 when he helped Clara claim a minor hurling championship in a thrilling one-point victory over Shinrone, and later that year played a key role in securing a memorable minor double, defeating Edenderry in football and Shinrone in hurling.

Peter continued to shine with Clara, winning his first senior football championship in 1960 after a replay victory over Tullamore, and four years later captaining the team to a second title, triumphing over a highly fancied Rhode side.

Peter played senior football from 1959 to 1974, continued with the junior team for another decade, and even into the 1990s would come out of retirement to help Clara field junior B and C teams.

A coach and mentor to younger players, Peter was remembered as “a gentle and kind man” who always offered words of encouragement and inspired generations of athletes.

He took immense pride in seeing his children and grandchildren don the famous black and white colours of Clara GAA, and he was “one of only six men to carry the Dowling Cup across the River Brosna Bridge.”

Clara GAA extended their deepest sympathies to Peter’s family and friends, stating that he “will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by everyone at Clara GAA Club.”

Predeceased by his mother Molly, aunt Cissy, grandmother Rose and grandson Joshua, Peter is remembered by his loving wife Mary, sons Peter, Francis and John, daughters Rose, Mary, Josephine, his sister Rose, and his many relatives and friends.

Peter's funeral mass will take place on Saturday, March 7, at 11am in St Brigid's Church, Clara, with burial afterwards in the Monastery cemetery Clara.

May he rest in peace.