Sadness at passing of legendary Bal' figure
A pall of sadness hangs over the village of Ballynacargy following the passing of Tony Maher, on Thursday July 20. Tony had a strong association with the Ballynacargy GAA Club over many decades, having played on the Junior Championship winning side of 1976.
Everyone associated with the Ballynacargy GAA Club is devastated with this news of Tony’s passing. A legendary figure, he was very special to the club, someone whose loyalty was unparalleled. Apart from his playing days, he played many key roles in the club: he was the club-school liaison officer for many decades, long before the GAA learned of the benefits of this role and introduced Games Promotion Officers in many countries.
He was the perennial underage manager at every grade, ensuring teams competed at all age levels and he was one of those whose contribution ensured the club survived in challenging times. Not only was he a coach and selector, he was kit man par excellence, along with his beloved wife Mary, and team physio when the need arose.
Tony’s work as groundsman in Moynihan Park was particularly outstanding and having served in almost every executive role over the decades, he took great joy in selling winning lotto tickets and fundraising to keep the club strong. He rarely missed a game and especially enjoyed juvenile matches and he had a sharp eye for emerging talent. He remained dedicated and committed to the very end and even though battling illness in recent times, he was determined to get to games in Moynihan Park, a place he truly loved.
He was also a dedicated family man and took tremendous pride in their many achievements and accomplishments on the playing fields. Tony loved the halcyon days of the mid 90s when Bal’ won back-to-back junior and intermediate titles and he was proud to see his sons Anthony, Shane and Ivan wear the Bal’ jersey. But he was perhaps even more proud when his grandson Ryan lifted the junior cup in 2019, with Anthony as manager.
Many tributes have been paid to Tony who was well regarded and respected. People from around the county, and those abroad with club connections, will remember him with great fondness. He passed away peacefully at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, following an illness bravely borne and in the excellent care of the staff at MRH, Mullingar, surrounded by his loving family. His passing leaves a void and another link with one of the area’s most enduring families has been severed.
Tony was predeceased by his parents Jack and Margaret; brothers Tom, Pat, Thady, Mick, Neddy, Joe, Christy; sisters Margaret, Maureen, Bridgie. He will be forever loved and deeply missed by his loving wife Mary; sons Anthony, Shane and Ivan; daughters Lynn and Amanda; sister Annie; sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
As a mark of respect, Ballynacargy's intermediate championship game against St Malachy's has been postponed to Monday evening, July 24, in The Downs at 7.30pm.
Tony’s remains will repose at his home on Saturday July 22, from 3pm to 8pm, with Funeral Mass on Sunday at 11.30am in the Church of the Nativity, Ballynacargy and burial afterwards in Sonna Cemetery. I líonta Dé go gcastar sinn.