Antóin Ó Briain
Thurles RFC 1956-2024
Antóin came to Thurles from Limerick City, in 1956 to teach in the Vocational School, three days after he started in the school, he was called out of class mid-morning, as there were three men standing in the Hall, George Hyland, Martin Ryan & Jimmy Lowe who requested if he would field out for Thurles on the following Sunday. This started a relationship with the club that only ended on Thursday last. On the playing front Antóin usually played at Outhalf and in that position he won an Evans Cup (Thurles’ first) in 1957.
He moved into the Administration side of the club in 1960 when he was elected Hon Treasurer, he stayed in this role for eighteen years until 1978 when he became Chairman from 1978 until 1983. He then took on the role of Trustee of the Club until his death. 68 years involved in the Club.
He was one of the team selectors from the late fifties until the mid-eighties,
He had a huge influence on the purchase of the field in Loughtagalla in 1968 and the subsequent building of Dressing rooms, the Pavilion and extension of the pavilion. His careful juggling of resources and willingness to assist and organise fundraising activities was second to none and left the club in good financial shape when he left the role of Treasurer.
He was always encouraging the youth within the club and donated the O’Brien Shield to be played for in an Under 12 league in the early eighties.
For quite a number of years Antóin was the Elder Statesman of the club, and his wisdom and guidance to all associated with the club was well received. His loss is huge.
Very few people have committed themselves as throughly as Antóin did to the Club, when one also considers all the other organisation he was also involved with.
He was truly one of life’s true Gentleman and all of us that had the pleasure of having been involved with Antóin will forever be at a loss
We ask all TRFC members, past and present to assemble in the Cathedral Yard on Sunday Morning at 11:45 am to form a Guard of Honour as Tony is Laid to Rest following 11am Mass
Brian Scanlon
President
Thurles RFC
Thurles RFC 1956-2024
Antóin came to Thurles from Limerick City, in 1956 to teach in the Vocational School, three days after he started in the school, he was called out of class mid-morning, as there were three men standing in the Hall, George Hyland, Martin Ryan & Jimmy Lowe who requested if he would field out for Thurles on the following Sunday. This started a relationship with the club that only ended on Thursday last. On the playing front Antóin usually played at Outhalf and in that position he won an Evans Cup (Thurles’ first) in 1957.
He moved into the Administration side of the club in 1960 when he was elected Hon Treasurer, he stayed in this role for eighteen years until 1978 when he became Chairman from 1978 until 1983. He then took on the role of Trustee of the Club until his death. 68 years involved in the Club.
He was one of the team selectors from the late fifties until the mid-eighties,
He had a huge influence on the purchase of the field in Loughtagalla in 1968 and the subsequent building of Dressing rooms, the Pavilion and extension of the pavilion. His careful juggling of resources and willingness to assist and organise fundraising activities was second to none and left the club in good financial shape when he left the role of Treasurer.
He was always encouraging the youth within the club and donated the O’Brien Shield to be played for in an Under 12 league in the early eighties.
For quite a number of years Antóin was the Elder Statesman of the club, and his wisdom and guidance to all associated with the club was well received. His loss is huge.
Very few people have committed themselves as throughly as Antóin did to the Club, when one also considers all the other organisation he was also involved with.
He was truly one of life’s true Gentleman and all of us that had the pleasure of having been involved with Antóin will forever be at a loss
We ask all TRFC members, past and present to assemble in the Cathedral Yard on Sunday Morning at 11:45 am to form a Guard of Honour as Tony is Laid to Rest following 11am Mass
Brian Scanlon
President
Thurles RFC
