It is with deep regret that we learn of the death this morning of Newry City AFC Management Committee member Tommy O’Hanlon.
Tommy lived and breathed Newry City AFC and will be sorely missed by everybody at the club. We would like to pass our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his wife Anne at this time.
Newrycityafc.co.uk spoke with City Manager Darren Mullen, Chairman Martin McLoughlin, Committee member Ian McDonald and former Committee member Jim Campbell, who all spoke of the fondness and high regard they had for Tommy.
Martin McLoughlin – Newry City AFC Chairman
It’s a sad time for the club just now, having lost a dedicated club man. Tommy was a life-long supporter of the club. He served our club in many roles – as Treasurer, Club Shop Operator, Lotto Co-ordinator and many more I’m sure. Tommy was a lynch pin in the day to day running of the club and will be sorely missed.
A little story comes to mind when the club were reforming last year. Tommy contacted Richard Scudamore, the Chief Executive of the English Premier League. He asked him to donate a prize for a club raffle. A few weeks later Tommy received a letter back from Richard Scudamore and a cheque for £500.
Tommy was one of life’s givers and it was a pleasure to have known him. RIP Tommy.
Darren Mullen – Newry City AFC Senior Team Manager
The club has suffered a huge loss with the passing of former Treasurer and Committee member Tommy O’Hanlon. Tommy was a terrific servant for many years and played his part in the reformation of the club. He accompanied Eric Wilson and myself to Stormont to meet with MLAs when we were trying to sort through the issues that would allow us to reform.
I visited Tommy in hospital on Wednesday and even though he wasn’t well, all he wanted to talk about was football, wishing us good luck in our game this Saturday. I count myself lucky to have met Tommy and I will have fond memories of his easy and likeable manner. He was a true gentleman and our thoughts are with his wife Anne at this time.
Ian McDonald – Newry City AFC Management Committee member
Tommy was a walking encyclopedia of Newry City trivia which will be dearly missed. He was a true gentleman with whom it was a pleasure to run the Showgrounds Lottery every Monday evening. It’s a little hard to take in that I will not hear his craic nor laugh at his humour any more.
Jim Campbell – Former Newry Town FC Management Committee member
It is with deep regret that I learn of the death this morning of Tom O’Hanlon.
I first got to know Tom during the 1974-75 season when he was supporting the club in the old B league. Newry Town won the B League (South Section) that season and met Carrick Rangers (winners of the North Section) in a playoff game at Ballyclare. He was incensed that the Irish League forced us to play the game at Ballyclare and not at a more neutral venue and wrote letters to the Irish League complaining about the lack of fairness. The club received a reply from the Irish League regarding Tom’s letter and we met him to advise of the explanation regarding choice of venue.
A few weeks later he was elected as a member of our Management Committee. Soon after that he was elected Hon Treasurer of the club, a position he occupied with great honour for many years. Tom was not only a great treasurer but a dedicated worker and loyal fan of Newry Town/City for all those years.
I have lost a true friend and the club has also lost a true friend and wonderful dedicated member. My deepest and heartfelt sympathy goes out to his loving Wife Anne and the Wider Family Circle.
If you knew Tommy and would like to pay your respects to him or share your memories please feel free to leave your tributes below.
Rip Tommy you were a true gentleman 🙁
Tommy was the heartbeat of Newry City for many many years, he was the first friendly face you met when you entered The Showgrounds. His knowledge of the game and history of the club was second to none. He gave his time freely with huge commitment and passion.
He will be sorely missed and irreplaceable.
RIP
A true gentleman who will be dearly missed xxx
It was a great privilege to have known Tommy from our days together at Primary school. Well known for his honesty and dedication, he was a lifelong supporter of Newry Town/City football club which he served in many capacities. I will miss his friendship and his knowledge of trivia. Tommy will be a great loss to Newry football.
My thoughts and prayers are with Ann at this very sad time.
This wonderful man was across from me in the high dependency unit in daisy hill, I was so scared this true gentleman through parts of the night kept me a simple smile and thumbs up , helping me gets through one of the hardest nights of my life. This town has lost a true gentleman, my heart goes out to his wife. May he rest in peace
Thank you Rachel for writing so kindly of Tommy my beloved. Let me know how you are getting on.
Ann
Tommy was a true gentleman. A fellow fan and friend. May he rest in peace.
I will sorely miss you Tommy. Both Club and I have lost a good friend. In my thoughts Anne.
RIP Uncle Tommy
Newry City have lost a great servant and a loyal fan…hopefully you will be looking down on them when they return to where they belong in the Irish league premier division.
I will miss our chats about football and you slagging me about Dundalk FC
RIP Tommy
a true friend when I worked alongside him at Newry City FC.
You always had the club at heart.
I will truly miss the craics we used to have.
My heartfelt regrets and condolences to his lovely wife Anne who used to supply my favourite carrot cake as lunchtime snack for me and Tommy. Thinking of you. I’m so sorry for your loss. Tommy was a great man. Always remembered.
Regards
Tony
Will be sorely missed by club and fellow supporters great friend of my Dad and all
true Newry AFC man
RIP Tommy