By Michelle Crean

Communities across East Kerry and beyond were hugely saddened to learn of the passing of one of "life's true gentlemen", Tony Moynihan, on Sunday.

Tributes have been pouring in for the Rathmore native who served as vice-chairman with his beloved Rathmore GAA Club since 2019.

Tony, who served his club, parish, community and East Kerry GAA for decades, and was named the 2018 East Kerry GAA Person of the Year, was laid to rest on Tuesday following Funeral Mass in St Joseph's Church.

"We extend deepest sympathy to the Mohnihan family, Marie, Tadhg and Donal, all his relatives and friends and Rathmore C.L.G. on the very sad loss of Tony Moynihan, Raheen, Rathmore," Michael O'Mahony, PRO of East Kerry GAA, said.

"He served many roles for his club, from being a star player, a long standing development officer, an All-Ireland quiz winner, and most recently an ace Strictly Come Dancing participant. He was the welcoming face that greets so many arriving to Rathmore sports complex and the person who made sure everything was ready for them."

FOOTBALL CAREER

Tony first came to prominence as a brilliant underage player in the early 1970s when organised underage football was in its infancy in the county. A County medal at U14 in 1973, when he lined out at midfield, showed his great potential.

"He burst on the scene at senior level in 1978 when he won his first O'Donoghue Cup medal. He was corner forward playing alongside the great John Saunders. This was the summer Argentina won the World Cup, with Mario Kempes being top scorer. Tony was Rathmore's Kempes with flowing long hair, headband and the deadly left leg.

Unfortunately, Tony's football was then badly hampered by asthma. This meant that often he was not able to play full games. However, it did not stop him making an impression, which was best exemplified in the O'Donoghue Cup final in 1984. Tony came on as a substitute 10 minutes into the second half. He scored the crucial goal, winning his second medal. He also annexed the Man of the Match award!"

OFF THE FIELD

Off the field Tony had been Development Officer in Rathmore for many years and at a time when massive development happened in the club.

"He oversaw the three pitches as if they were his own and was the man that most teams first met when they come to Rathbeg. Whether it was senior teams, school teams, ladies teams or underage teams, Tony greeted all with a smile and with respect."

Over the last number of years, Rathmore has been the home venue for East Kerry U21 and Minor teams, for Championship and challenge matches.

"Tony went above and beyond the call of duty to look after them at all times. With Tony's co-operation the East Kerry Minors won three county championships in a row. He made sure that everything needed was ready and in immaculate condition, including pitch, practice area, showers, flood lights, kitchen facilities or meeting rooms. A quick phone call to Tony is all that was needed for everything to be arranged."

After hanging up his boots, Tony became interested in quizzes and part of the Rathmore Quiz team. In total he won six All-Ireland titles in 'Question Time', three in Scor and three in Seachtain na Gaeilge.

In November 2017, Tony demonstrated his versatility, and willingness to do anything for his club when he took to the stage at the INEC in a club fundraiser, 'Strictly Hollywood'. Demonstrating a nimbleness of foot reminiscent of his playing days, he dazzled the audience with his dance partner Mary Kelleher as they waltzed around the iconic venue. In his family life, Tony had to overcome the tragic loss of his wife Sheila when his three children, Marie, Tadhg and Donal, were young. They're now following in his footsteps playing an active role as players and officers in Rathmore GAA and LGFA clubs.

"He will be sadly missed by so many. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis."