A popular GAA coach who died while running will be remembered as the “driving force” of hurling in the Mourne area of Co Down.
Tommy Daly, who was in his early 40s and lived with his family in Glasdrumman, near Annalong, died suddenly while he was out for a run last Tuesday evening.
The father-of-three was originally from Co Cork, but had lived in his adopted Co Down for almost 15 years, where he played hurling and was involved with coaching at local clubs.
He has been praised as the “driving force” of the development of youth hurling in the Mourne area, and last year oversaw the founding of children’s hurling club Clann Mhúrn, with the involvement of five local GAA clubs - An Ríocht, Atticall, Ballymartin, Longstone and Glasdrumman.
Longstone GAC chair Hugh Rodgers told the Irish News: “Hurling was Tommy’s first love. He believed that every kid should get the opportunity to hold a hurl in their hand, and was shrewd enough to bring together over 50 youngsters to take part in a part of Co Down where hurling didn’t have a big presence before - he was the greatest communicator I ever came across.
“The kids are devastated at his loss, as is everyone who knew and loved Tommy. He will be sorely missed.”
Tommy was also involved with St Peter’s Warrenpoint GAA, and in a tribute posted to social media, a spokesperson described him as a “great friend, teammate and mentor”.
“He spearheaded a number of crucial initiatives; a county hurling strategy, our own Hurling Pathway document, and we were all delighted in the revival of Mourne hurling, a cause he threw everything into over the past number of years,” they said.
“His passion for GAA, hurling, playing and most importantly for teaching, inspiring and leading our young Gaels will inspire us in the years to come.”
South Down Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard offered “heartfelt condolences” to Tommy’s family in a post.
“He was a great Gael; the driving force of the hugely exciting Clann Mhúrn hurling project in the Mournes and a strong advocate for the development of hurling throughout Down,” he said.
A death notice describes Tommy as the “beloved husband of Maria, and loving father of Cara, Conor and Sé”, adding he was the “much loved son of Johanna and the late Tom, and dearest brother of Donal and Peter”.
A funeral mass will take place on Saturday at St Mary’s Church, Glasdrumman, with a burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
