I was deeply saddened yesterday evening to learn of the passing of Tommy Mahon, pillar of Kilbride GFC, nurturer of generations of football talent in Meath, horse racing fan and, above all else, a dear friend to me and many over a long number of years. How fitting it was that only days before his passing he got to see his grandson line out in his beloved green and gold.

To list some – and only some – of the exceptional talents upon whom Tommy left an imprint over the years is to trace the DNA of some of the greatest days in football our county has enjoyed. For fear of leaving somebody out, let’s just say it encompassed decades and some of this county’s finest ever talents. Suffice to say, it could stretch from Kilbride to Kilmainhamwood, Batterstown to Ballinabrackey and back again several times over.

Personally, I will truly miss him. From viewing him as a revered figure when I was growing up, to getting to know his family as his daughters and son-in-law worked with my sisters in another Kilbride institution – Rennicks. But most especially in more recent years when, as he lovingly cared for his wife May following her illness, we regularly compared notes on wheelchairs and vans and lifts and accessibility issues. Footballers and horses too, of course!

Tommy, you are now reunited with your beloved May as well as other great Gaels Brian Reilly and Benny Gartland, two comrades with whom you soldiered for so long so that the road for those who came behind would be as smooth and glorious as it was under your stewardship. May you rest in peace, my dear friend. To Claire and the entire Mahon family, my deepest sympathies and those of our family at this sad time.