Mayo GAA giant of the 1950s has passed away

THE death has taken place at Mayo University Hospital of Thomas (Tommie) Quigley, a giant of Mayo football in the 1950s and '60s.

A psychiatric nurse by profession – he later ran a pub at Castle Street, Castlebar, called the Goal Post – Tommie won an All-Ireland Junior medal with Mayo in 1957.

That all conquering team was captained by Dr. Mickey Loftus, who later became president of the GAA, from Crossmolina.

Tommie, a native of Ballyheane, was a member of the Castlebar Mitchels senior team which won a number of county titles in the 1950s.

Of athletic and strong build, he was regarded as a natural and powerful footballer and later coached at underage level for Mitchels.

As well as junior football, he also played for the Mayo senior team.

Tommie, who lived at Pontoon Road, Castlebar, is survived by his wife Tess, sons Barry and Kieran, daughters-in-law Alva and Maria, brother Martin, Cloonfert, Ballyheane, grandchildren Laura and Sean, relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom sympathy is tendered.

He was predeceased by his brothers Liam, Chris and John and sisters Mary and Bebe.

His remains will be reposing at Kilcoyne's Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Castlebar, on Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. before removal to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar.

Requiem Mass takes place at 11 a.m. on Friday with burial afterwards in the New Cemetery, Castlebar.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.