Recognition for a Mayo football legend

THE Mayo Women’s League has announced the inaugural Volunteer of the Month Award winner.

Tommy Rumley, a name which will always be associated with football not just in Manulla FC but throughout Mayo in general, was the very fitting first recipient of the award.

Tommy has been an internal part of Manulla FC and in particular the club's ladies team. Wherever Manulla ladies are, Tommy will always be found.

Speaking about Tommy, Joe King, secretary of the Mayo Women’s League, commented: "Tommy has been involved in many aspects of football. Whether it's club or county, he always gives his all. His two main loves in football are the Manulla ladies team and the Mayo Masters League.

"Tommy got involved many years ago with Dave McDonnell and myself helping out with the ladies. He attended every session, travelled the length and breath of the country with Manulla, and was there for all their successes and heartbreaks.

"When players needed someone to talk to, Tommy was there, always knowing what to say and always said the right thing.

"When Manulla lifted the WFAI Intermediate Cup in 2017, the proudest person in the Limerick that day was Tommy. He continues to be involved with the team having supported Jenny Dempsey when she managed the team in 2020 and currently with Ollie King.

"He was a regular at the Masters fixtures in Solar 21 Park every Wednesday nite. Didn't matter that it was raining, snowing, freezing or just a nice night, Tommy was there making sure games were played, and his interactions with players from all clubs made Tommy a popular and well liked figure at the Masters events.

"With his knowledge of the players and the game, it was a no-brainer for the Mayo Football League to appoint him manager of the Mayo Masters team that played Roscommon annually for the John Sherlock Cup, with Tommy leading Mayo to success."

This month's award was sponsored by Foodie Save.