REMEMBERING TOM BERMINGHAM RIP

It was with deep regret and sadness that we learnt of the death of Tom Bermingham, Crosshaven. Tom spent his youth in County Waterford and came to the Grange area in the late 1950s.

He joined Grange GAA in 1961 and for the next seven years he played an outstanding role in the development of the fledgling club. During that period, Grange reached five North Cork football finals (winning two), won four North Cork football leagues, reached the 1966 Cork County Junior football final (losing on a replay) and a north Cork Junior B hurling final (again, losing on a replay).

Tom was a great centre back and leader and his determination, stamina and sportsmanship were legendary. Selected at centre back for Avondhu for the 1961 Cork County senior football final versus Clonakilty, played at the Athletic Grounds on Sunday, October 2nd, Tom gave an outstanding display at the heart of the Avondhu defence, the side winning on a scoreline of 1-7 to 1-5. In those days, the Evening Echo picked their ‘Sports Star of the Week’, an award that encompassed all sports and Tom was awarded this prestigious honour for his display in the county final.

Tom enjoyed his sport. The tougher it was the more he enjoyed it. He was always in good spirits and positive in his outlook and his leadership qualities were an inspiration to any team.

Tom Bermingham will always be fondly and proudly remembered in Grange and Avondhu. He passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, September 30th.

To his wife Kathleen, his daughters Kathy, Grace and Edel, brothers Maurice and David and sister Joan, we send condolences from all his old teammates in Grange.

(Picture courtesy: Christy Roche) Grange, North Cork junior football champions of 1964, who defeated Kilshannig 1-5 to 1-3 in the final. Back: John B. Roche, Dave Bermingham, Tom Bermingham, Maurice Bermingham, Bob Burke, Pat Gowen, William Browne, Ned Creamer, Jim Fitzsimons, Jack Mulcahy, John Gowen, and Jim Kirby; Front: Liam Bermingham, Christy Roche, P.J. Kirby, Bernie Dempsey, Jim Browne, Thady Barry, William Hanrahan, Maurice Walsh, James Cummins, William Clifford and Michael Gowen.