Tubberclair mourns loss of legendary Sonny Farrell

Tubberclair GAA is mourning the loss of a legendary figure in Sonny Farrell, who passed away on Friday last.

The Tubberclair GAA President at the time of his passing, Sonny was involved in the club all his life in various capacities. "Sonny served the club in various roles throughout his lifetime. He will be greatly missed by all," said Tubberclair GAA.

Sonny was also a central figure in one of the most infamous episodes in Westmeath GAA history when he led a group of Tubberclair players to climb on to the crossbar in protest over a refereeing decision in the 1967 junior championship final against Ballynacargy.

In the ensuing chaos which erupted, Ballynacargy never got to take the free they had been awarded. Amid claims that Ballynacargy may have fielded two ineligible players, a replay was eventually ordered by the county board.

Those controversial events took place in the second replay of the final, and it took a fourth encounter for Tubberclair to eventually claim the junior football crown in what was a truly remarkable saga.

Mention of Sonny Farrell would cause many people outside Tubberclair to hark back to those 1967 events which entered footballing folklore, but this was merely one small chapter in a contribution that spanned a lifetime.

Sonny went on to another junior title with Tubberclair in 1978 and he was a sub on the team which won the intermediate championship the following year.

This writer met Sonny at numerous matches over the years and his friendly demeanour and sense of humour were also to the fore. Known far and wide as Sonny, there are many people who knew the popular farmer well that wouldn't have even known his first name was actually Matthew.

In an interview with the Westmeath Independent in 2022, Sonny's trademark sense of humour was evident when asked about the events of 1967 and if he would do the same again. "I wouldn't be able to do it now," he said with a laugh.

More seriously, he added: "I never had any regrets about it. We would have lost if we hadn't thought of something. I felt very aggrieved about the free-in. Even though the referee wagged his finger at the fella that gave me a box in the mouth, he still gave the free against me!"

Sonny recalled that Ballynacargy delegate Matt Slevin agreed to another replay, after it had been proposed by Athlone's Paddy 'Butch' McCormack.

When Tubberclair and Ballynacargy met again in the 2009 Westmeath intermediate final, then Westmeath GAA chairman Tom Farrell made a presentation to representatives of both clubs as memories of the storied battle of 1967 were recalled.

Sonny was a Tubberclair delegate to Westmeath County Board for a long number of years and his contributions to meetings were generally of the entertaining variety.

Indeed, Sonny's perspective on county board meetings can be gleaned from these remarks in that aforementioned Westmeath Independent interview. "It used to be a pantomime and I really enjoyed it. Years ago meetings would go into how long of a suspension a player should get. Now it's just rubber-stamping things. For me, the craic is gone," he said.

Tubberclair GAA has extended heartfelt condolences to Sonny's daughters Sinead and Kelaine, sons Jamie, Kevin, Jeffery and Pearse and the extended Farrell family on his passing. Both Jamie and Jeffrey were prominent players for Tubberclair, while Kevin's time as a player was cut short by injury.

Tubberclair GAA has also paid a warm tribute to Sonny's enormous contribution to the club.

"As Sonny departs this world for the great football pitch in the sky, we say farewell to a legend and look back with fondness at the times we all spent in the company of Sonny. He served his beloved Tubberclair with pride and distinction both as a player, manager and administrator. Whatever role he undertook, he always gave of his best and defended the green and gold with all of his might," said a Tubberclair GAA statement.

"The Championship winning team of 1967 will evoke memories of that infamous 'Crossbar Final'. It is safe to say that throughout the '70s and '80s, a time so rich in football success for Tubberclair, Sonny had a hand in one way or another with every team.

"He enjoyed those good times but equally the success in recent years of our underage teams meant as much to Sonny and he got great enjoyment from witnessing the youth of the club compete at a high level and achieve success.

"As Club President in recent years, he served the club well and derived great pride from his role. A great family man who was so proud of each and every one of his children and what they achieved in their lives.

"He departs this world having made friends in so many places. Whenever you attended GAA events you were always asked 'How's Sonny, will he be at the game?' Slán leat to a great Gael; may Sonny's gentle soul now rest in peace," the club added.

Matthew (Sonny) Farrell of Bethlehem, Glasson, passed away peacefully after a short illness on October 25, surrounded by his beloved family. Predeceased by his parents, Kathleen and Matthew, his sister Kitty, brothers Tom and Liam, and his loving wife Kathy.

"Sonny was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, godfather, grandad, and friend. He brought laughter and love to all who knew him and will be deeply missed. His legacy of kindness and family will live on in our hearts," stated his death notice.

Following reposing at his son Kevin’s residence in Colehill, Co. Longford last Saturday, Requiem Mass took place on Sunday in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Tubberclair, followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. May Sonny rest in peace.