Sad passing of Coalisland GAA fanatic Tommy

FRIENDS of a Birmingham man who moved to the Coalisland area 21 years ago, were amazed to discover boxes of GAA programmes and annuals, framed match reports and match videos in his home.

Tommy Mulrenan who lived in Killeen, died peacefully at hospital on February 28, two weeks after his 74th birthday.

Helping to clear Mr Mulrenan’s home, Coalisland Fianna vice-chairman Fergie Harte said he was ‘astonished’ at the amount of GAA paraphernalia which was removed in large boxes in a van.

It was through his dear friend Arthur Murray that Tommy came to Coalisland.

Arthur explained, “We worked for years as wardens in St Anne’s Church in Birmingham and he had no relatives and I suggested he come over here to live. We sorted out a little house for him close to where I live and he immediately loved it here. He just got to know everybody and was so inoffensive. I couldn’t believe the size of the turn-out at his funeral.”

Tommy soon found Baldo’s Bar in Coalisland, where most conversations are GAA related. He immersed himself in the local game.

Arthur added, “He took a notion we would do a 32-county tour of all the county grounds in Ireland. We set off with the bus passes staying in bed and breakfasts but unfortunately we had to abandoned the trip in Sligo after 27 counties because I took unwell.

“He would go anywhere to see any game, no matter if it was under 12s right up through to senior for boys and girls games in Tyrone, Derry… He’d go to see all the clubs, Derrytresk, Clonoe, Stewartstown… schools games; anywhere he could see a game.

“The late Eddie Shields from Coalisland took Tommy under his wing and brought him to loads of games. He never missed a Fianna match. He tried to do four championship matches in one day, two double-headers but was disappointed he was late for the second games!

“The bus-pass worked wonders! He went to county games all over and loved Croke Park. He brought a bag and bought two programmes, one for his archives and one for Baldo’s Bar”.

Arthur said he greatly misses his long-time friend who he shared many journeys and adventures with, including visits to Australia and Auschwitz.

Coalisland vice-chairman Fergie Harte said, “When Tommy came here, he took Coalisland as his team and used to do the gate at home games with Eddie Shields. He loved the Fianna and followed all our teams, boy’s and girls right up to senior. He would go on the bus to Omagh, go to Mass, get his dinner and onto to Healy Park for the game. That was his life! We are all very saddened Tommy has passed away.”

Tommy’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place tomorrow night (Friday) at the St Mary and St Joseph’s Church, Brackaville at 7.30pm.