A Wexford GAA club is in mourning following the passing of former committee member and talented sportsman Thomas (Tom) Finn, who passed away on Sunday, August 30.

Following news of his death, the Half Way House Bunclody club issued a touching tribute to the man who had made a name for himself in sports and community circles.

Born in 1943 as the second eldest of a family of ten in Coorduff, Kilmyshall, Mr Finn’s association with the Bunclody club stretched decades in various capacities.

In his younger years he played in the club as a hurler, beginning in underage before progressing to the junior ranks where he played as a forward.

Then during the 1990s, he served as a member of the club committee, using his skills in the administration and development of the club.

“Tom was a supporter of Half Way House Bunclody throughout his life. He was a familiar face following the fortunes of the green and gold especially when he had the opportunity to watch and support his grandson Steven playing for the team from underage to adult,” the club explained.

Mr Finn’s talents also stretched to outside the GAA, having handball accomplishments under his belt through his association with the Kilmyshall Handball Club.

In the early 1990s, he formed a formidable partnership with Johnny Nolan, and they won tournaments in Bridgetown, Barntown, Ballymitty, and St Mary’s Wexford to name a few.

He also achieved success at a national level, winning both Leinster and All-Ireland honours at Novice level in 1992, adding a Masters title in 1998.

Mr Finn was also someone very keen in getting involved and helping in the community.

“Tom was someone who took a keen interest in his local community and was never afraid to get involved. In 1996, he put himself forward as a candidate for the Mayoral election to raise funds for the purchasing of additional lands at Church Road, another example of his willingness to contribute to community life,” they added.

Loving husband of Joan and father of Jimmy, Tommy, Ann and Eric, and beloved son of the late Hannah and James, and brother of Nancy, Philomena, Margo, Hughie, Patsy and the late Mary, Bridie, Denis and James, he will be sadly missed by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

His funeral took place on Monday, August 31 in the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Kilmyshall, where the club formed a guard of honour.