Laois GAA club mourns the passing of beloved Club President
A player, selector, referee and administrator, Tommy Hickey dedicated his life to Rathdowney GAA and later Rathdowney-Errill GAA Club as well as Laois GAA
The death has occurred of one of Laois GAA's most respected figures with the passing of Rathdowney-Errill GAA Club President Tommy Hickey.
Mr Hickey, of Ossory Street, Rathdowney, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, in the presence of his loving family, bringing profound sadness to the Rathdowney-Errill club and the wider GAA community.
In a heartfelt tribute, Rathdowney-Errill described him as "a wonderful friend and Club President" who would "always hold a special place in the history of the Rathdowney GAA Club".
A lifelong servant of the club, Tommy Hickey dedicated decades to Rathdowney GAA as a player, administrator, selector and volunteer, leaving a legacy that stretched far beyond the playing field.
His playing career spanned the late 1950s through to the early 1970s. He was one of the standout performers on Rathdowney's championship-winning minor team in 1957 and played a leading role in helping the club regain senior status in 1960. In 1974, he enjoyed another memorable success when Rathdowney captured the Laois Junior Hurling Championship, lining out alongside his younger brother, Donal.
He also represented Laois at all grades before injury curtailed his inter-county career. Despite that setback, his contribution to the county continued when he was appointed a Laois minor selector in 1963. The following year, Laois won the Leinster Minor Hurling Championship before narrowly missing out on All-Ireland honours against Cork, a defeat the club said remained one of his greatest disappointments.
Away from the field, Mr Hickey became one of the club's most influential administrators. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he played a central role in the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Cheallaigh Uí Dhálaigh, helping transform Rathdowney's facilities into some of the finest in the county.
The club also recalled his long involvement as a referee, officiating alongside Patsy Cleere, Paddy Ryan, Jim Whelan and Pat Delaney at club, tournament, National League and championship fixtures throughout Ireland, with the 1989 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final standing out as a career highlight.
Paying tribute, Rathdowney-Errill said Mr Hickey took immense pride in seeing young players develop through the ranks and was "the embodiment of the Club Volunteer".
Reflecting on his character, the club quoted writer Brendan Kennelly's description of Patrick Kavanagh as "the epitome of chivalry", saying the words perfectly captured Tommy Hickey.
"There was always the kind and gentle word, always the benefit of the doubt, always the extra mile for those in need," the tribute said.
"He was a rock of sense, someone who could find a solution no matter what issue he was faced with. He will be remembered as a deeply respected figure. His has been truly a life dedicated to all that is best in Gaelic games and Irish culture."
Predeceased by his adored wife and son Chrissie and Seamus, also his brother Donal and sisters Angela Kenneally, and Rita Henderson, and his brothers-in-law Tommy Donovan, Tommy Kenneally, Sean Henderson, Dinny and Seamus Phelan.
Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family, daughter Margaret (Brophy), sons Donal and Tomàs, daughters-in-law Cathriona and Sue, son-law Martin, adored grandchildren Emma, Declan, Conor, Eimear,Liam and Ellie, sisters Maura O'Connell, Ann Wayne, Bridget Donovan, brother Michael, sisters-in-law Maureen and Carmel, brothers-in-law Billy, Willie and Bridget's partner Eugene,sisters-in-law Kathleen , Maura, Theresa and Sarah,nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
He will repose at O'Sullivan's Funeral Home, Rathdowney, on Friday from 4pm until prayers at 8pm. Requiem Mass will take place on Saturday at 12 noon in the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Rathdowney, followed by burial in Bealady Cemetery.