TOM PURSER

Clonmore GFC mourns the loss of its Honorary President, Tommy Purser.

Tommy Purser who passed away on 12 January 2008 at the age of 66 was a very popular character in the Hacketstown area who will be sadly missed by all who were privileged to know him. Tom had a lifelong association with Clonmore GFC, having been an outstanding player for over twenty years and latterly an Honorary President of the club. 

After a long and distinguished playing career, Tom is remembered with great respect by friend and foe alike, as one of nature’s gentlemen off the field and as a great hearted player who was uncompromising and fearless on it. Tom always had a cheery word and a ready smile and was popular with young and old, although his opinions on modern day footballers were often of the caustic variety. The huge number of people who attended his funeral was an indication of the high regard with which he was held in the community. 

Tom first played senior football as a teenager around 1960 when Clonmore were still one of the kingpins of Carlow football. After the 1963 and 65 County Senior Finals, both of which were lost unfortunately, Tom’s career coincided with Clonmore’s lean years so medals were few and far between. However, that did not deter him from giving his all, year in year out, and he captained the Clonmore team on many occasions. His ability was also recognised at county level and he played for Carlow at every grade including senior. 

Having proudly worn the red & green jersey for over 20 years, the number 7 shirt which draped his coffin was a poignant reminder of Tom’s many fine performances at left half back for club and county.