North Wexford loses two more GAA stalwarts
THE NORTH Wexford GAA community lost two highly-respected businessmen and supporters over the past week with the deaths of Tom Doyle and Paddy Conroy.
Tributes have been pouring in for two people who gave so much, not only to their respective communities but also the GAA in general over a lifetime.
Tom Doyle, a Camolin-based businessman, who passed away last weekend, was a great supporter of Wexford GAA down through the years, particularly on the fundraising side of the Association, to which he made such a massive contribution.
His passing has come as a great blow to Wexford GAA, because people of his calibre mean so much to the Association.
Tom had a real love for Wexford GAA. He was one of the prime movers behind the Wexford GAA Supporters’ Club, and later Club Wexford, providing a constant cash flow towards the preparation of the respective inter-county teams.
He was an integral part of the County Board’s official negotiating team in the talks which led to the current ongoing partnership between the People Newspaper Group and Coiste na nOg commencing in 2013.
His business, Tom Doyle Supplies, sponsored the county Senior football championship for a number of years, and was also the sponsor of Ferns Centre of Excellence under the Halo Tiles banner.
Although in ill-health for some time, his passing still came as a shock to GAA people throughout the county and beyond.
Paddy Conroy was a long-standing member of Naomh Eanna GAA club in Gorey town. His passing led to recollections of the many lively conversations customers had with their friendly local family butcher.
He loved to regale people with tales of the Wexford teams of the 1950s while also reflecting on the great rivalry between the counties in that era.
He was present in Semple Stadium in Thurles in 2016 when Wexford beat Cork for the first time since 1956, with his grandson, Eoin, on the team.
Another special moment for Paddy was when he got to hold the Dr. Bob Bowe Cup when Naomh Eanna won its first county Senior hurling title in 2018. He was also delighted to see his grandson, Eoin, being part of the Wexford Under-21 hurling team that won three provincial titles in a row.
He was passionate about Gaelic games both at club and inter-county levels. He gave of his time generously to the club at both under-age and adult, and was proud to see the town club grow into one of the leading units in the county.
He was also heavily involved in the club’s early years of development and was proud to see that work continue through the years.
Coming so quickly after the death of Tara Rocks legend Bill Owley, north Wexford and Wexford GAA have lost three great personalities who will not be easily replaced.
Go ndéana dia trócaire ar a nanamacha.