We extend deepest sympathy to the Moynihan family, in particular Marie, Tadhg and Donal, the extended family, relatives and friends and Rathmore C.L.G. on the very sad loss of Tony Moynihan, Raheen, Rathmore R.I.P. Tony will be sadly missed by so many.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis
Tony was the 2018 East Kerry GAA Person of the Year
He served the club, parish community and East Kerry GAA for decades and continued to do so across a wide range of activities along with running his own farm and looking after his family.
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 is the welcoming face that greets so many arriving to Rathmores sports complex and the person who makes sure everyting is ready for them.
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 Under 14 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 Rathmores Kempes with flowing long hair, head-band and the deadly left leg.
Unfortunately, Tonys 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, Tony has been Development Officer in Rathmore for many years and at a time when massive development happened in the Club. He oversees the 3 pitches as if they were his own and is the man that most teams meet first when they come to Rathbeg. Whether it is senior teams, school teams, ladies teams or underage teams, Tony greets all with a smile and treats all with respect.
Over the last 3 years, Rathmore has been the home venue for East Kerry U21 and Minor teams, for Championship and challenge matches. Tony has gone 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 imacculate condition, including pitch, practice area, showers, flood lights, kitchen facilities or meeting rooms. A quick phone call to Tony is all that is needed for everything to be arranged.
After hanging up his boots, Tony became interested in quiz. He was, and indeed still is, part of Rathmore Quiz team. In total he won 6 All Ireland titles in Question Time, three in Scor and three in Seachtain na Gaeilge.
In November 20217, 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. He also participated fully in the social events that accompanied Strictly!
In his family life, Tony has had to overcome the tragic loss of his wife Sheila when the children were very young. Those 3 children, Marie , Tadhg and Donal are now following in his footsteps playing an active role as players and officers in Rathmore GAA and LGFA clubs.
Tony is one of lifes true gentlemen and a most worthy recipient of the 2018 person of the year award. East Kerry GAA thank him and congratulate him and wish him the very best in his new position of vice chairman with his beloved GAA club Rathmore for 2019. He will be sadly missed by so many. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis
Tonys Funeral arrangements are as follows
Tony Moynihan, Raheen, Rathmore, Co. Kerry, on July 25th 2021, peacefully, at his home, in the presence of his loving family. Tony, husband of the late Sheila (nee Breen) and dear father of Marie, Tadhg and Donal. Sadly missed by his loving Family, mother in law Eily, brother in law Denis, sisters in law Joan, Margaret and Mary, Marie’s partner George, relatives, neighbours, cousins and his large circle of friends.
May He Rest in Peace
In accordance with Government and HSE Guidelines, and in the interest of public health, a private Funeral Mass will take place Tuesday, 27th July, at 11.30am in St. Joseph’s Church, Rathmore. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Tony’s Funeral cortege will leave the family home at 11am passing Holy Family National School to St. Joseph’s Church, Rathmore for his Requiem Mass.
The Mass can be viewed live by clicking on Rathmore Live Cam on the following link https://www.rathmoreparish.ie. If you wish to leave a message of sympathy, please click on the condolence link below. Family flowers only please, donations, if desired, to the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital Kerry.