11 November 2012
Monsignor Tom Toner
Fr Tom Toner who died this morning will be recalled for many reasons by people right across Ireland. He was a chaplain in the Maze prison, a champion of a cross community relationships, an activist on issues like homelessness and parish priest at St Agnes church at the height of the troubles. Later in life he went on to serve the parishes of St Peters and St Teresa’s among others.
Fr Tom was also a lifelong member of the GAA, a committed, loyal and reliable member of Naomh Una GLC and a regular at Casement for Antrim games, hurling and football; he took great delight in watching Antrim victories and he bore the defeats stoically.
Fr Tom was one of the founding members of the ‘Aggies’ at the beginning of the 1950s. Ever since then he retained a keen interest in the club and was one of the first names on a guestlist for any official club functions. In this picture he is addressing guests and clubmates at the 2009 Annual Dinner.
Fr Tom always enquired as to the progress of the teams, particularly the juveniles and would often turn up to take in a game. Any time the club reached a milestone game, under age or senior, Tom was there to lend his support. He will be missed.
The County Board of Antrim GAA send condolences to Fr Tom's family.
Féadfaidh sé Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam
Brendan Mulgrew
Antrim PRO
