‘Flash’ a major loss
Death of Enniscorthy soccer legend
THE WIDELY lamented death of soccer legend Tom ‘Flash’ Dunne has cast a shadow over the town of Enniscorthy.
The local community, sporting and otherwise, were shocked to hear of the passing of this popular sportsman which occurred peacefully in the loving care of all the nurses and staff of St. John’s Hospital.
Beloved husband of the late Margaret and loving father of Martin, and the late Thomas, Gerard and Deborah, Tom was known throughout the town and beyond where he was held in such high esteem.
When news of his death broke in Enniscorthy, those who knew him said there was only one word which would describe Tom and that is ‘legend’, as the town has lost one great man.
Hundreds of tributes have been posted, including a special one from his beloved soccer club, Ajax Athletic.
‘We at Ajax are saddened by the recent news of the passing of Tom (Flash) Dunne, our condolences go to his family at this time,’ the club’s Facebook page read.
‘Death can never take a good man away, for, in the hearts of the people he inspired, the legacy remains and continues throughout generations. He was a great father and a teacher to many and may his soul find eternal rest. May he rest in peace.’
Enniscorthy Town also sent their deepest condolences to the family of a man they described as ‘a true legend of Wexford football’.
They noted that ‘he played and managed at Enniscorthy Town, winning the treble as a player with us in 1968/69 and the league in 1971. He will be sorely missed,’ their tribute concluded.
Regular team-mates of ‘Flash’ on that all-conquering Town team of the late sixties included Charlie O’Brien, Jim Nolan, Mickey and Martin Lynch, Denis Millar, Danny Kennedy, Patrick O’Connor, Nicky Balfe, John Joe O’Brien and Davy Whelan.
He also spent time on the books of Enniscorthy United, and they were keen as well to remember this wonderful servant of the game.
‘Sad news today with the passing of Tom “Flash” Dunne who played for, managed and served on the committee at Enniscorthy United.
‘The last few years have been difficult but he will be remembered as a great player in his day.
‘Everyone connected with our club sends their deepest sympathy and condolences to Tom’s family and many friends.’
Tom never made any secret of his love for the beautiful game as he adorned soccer pitches throughout the county and beyond.
Perhaps the greatest recognition of his contribution to the game of soccer was his inclusion in the legends team marking the 50th anniversary of the Wexford Football League in 2010.
He loved playing the game for various clubs, and won numerous cup and league honours down through a lengthy career.
Ajax Athletic was formed on May 8, 1970, with a first league title three years later followed by a league and cup double in 1974.
‘Flash’ was a key figure in the famous black and white stripes, with his team-mates during that golden era for Ajax including a youthful Mick Millar, who was later selected alongside him on that Legends team in 2010.
Others to don the Ajax colours with ‘Flash’ in those success-laden times included Tony Kenny, Tom Wall, Johnny Hutchinson, Liam Carty, Thomas Wildes, Tommy Hutchinson, Thomas ‘Gilbert’ O’Sullivan, Billy Hudson, John Freeman and Joe Kenny.
He was given the name ‘Flash’ because of his speed and dribbling expertise which created many an uneasy Sunday morning for rival defences. Such was his skill levels that he was widely reputed to be one of the finest-ever players to emerge in the local football league.
Those who played with him, or lined out against him, and those who knew him, were shocked to the core to hear of his passing. They described him as an absolute gentleman both on and off the pitch, who was continuously in great form, and always saw the good in people.
He had worked tirelessly over a long number of years to promote and develop women’s soccer in Wexford, so much so that he was made an honorary life member of their league.
Tom’s sporting talents were not just confined to the soccer pitches, as he also represented his county in hurling at inter-county level.
He played Senior with Wexford at the end of 1965, when the team came back after losing the All-Ireland final to Tipperary.
He came on for Rathnure’s Martin Byrne in an Oireachtas game versus Kilkenny a fortnight later, making his debut in the process.
He also was used as a substitute against Laois in the National League, scoring two points, while he then won a Walsh Cup medal against Kilkenny, registering one point.
In the last of his four games, he scored 1-1 in a league loss to Kilkenny, and it is generally felt that he would have featured many more times were it not for the restrictions imposed by the ban, which the G.A.A. didn’t delete until 1971.
‘Flash’ came on for Aidan Wildes in the county Senior hurling final of 1969, when Shamrocks recorded a runaway 5-14 to 2-6 victory over Ferns St. Aidan’s in Bellefield.
Members of Enniscorthy’s soccer clubs and many more joined in the crowd that lined the street in accordance with Covid-19 social distancing regulations, as they applauded the cortege of sporting legend Tom ‘Flash’ Dunne for one last time. They made that thoughtful gesture in appreciation of a true legend.
Owing to the current government restrictions, there was a private family-only funeral.
A public memorial Mass to celebrate Tom’s life will be held at a later date.