Footballer and shopkeeper who enjoyed horse racing successes

OBITUARY: Tommy O'Dwyer, Dunshaughlin

OBITUARY: Tommy O'Dwyer, Dunshaughlin

There was great sadness following the death on Friday 26th February last of Tommy O'Dwyer of Lagore Road, Dunshaughlin, who for many years ran a grocery shop, newsagent and sweet shop in the village before the advent of supermarkets. Tommy and his wife, Mag, ran the shop, which was a focal point on the main street, for decades.

Many recalled how the O'Dwyers were the first to welcome them to the village as new residents, and Tommy's generosity when local children were buying penny sweets – there would always be a few extra in the bag after he patiently waited for the youngsters to make their choice. Customers were always greeted with a warm welcome, a broad smile and a friendly chat, often about horse racing or football.

He had began his retailing career in what was Dunshaughlin's original grocery store, at the front of Gogan's Pub, which was once a thriving bar and shop business beside the old salesyard in the village.

There followed a number of years travelling as a commercial salesman, before the opportunity arose to run the shop in Dunshaughlin which became known as T&M O'Dwyer.

Born in Ratoath in 1938, Tommy's parents moved to Moortown, between Ratoath and Dunshaughlin, where his family became well-known for their Gaelic footballing prowess.

He was a member - along with his four brothers - of the Dunshaughlin side that won the 1967 Junior Football Championship in the county. He played football and hurling for the Black and Amber club, usually lining out in the half back line, winning a junior hurling championship medal in 1957 and a football championship in 1958.

In 1967 the junior championship winning-team, captained by his brother Davy, was a real family affair with two brothers in defence, himself and Davy, and another pair, Con and Paddy, in the wing forward positions. A fifth, Johnny, was a substitute.

He began his contribution to the running of the club as a teenager, becoming treasurer in 1959, a position he held until 1982, an incredible span of service amounting to almost a quarter of a century. He did so at a time when it cost less to run GAA clubs but money was much more difficult to come by.

Tommy served under seven different club chairmen and during his time in charge of the purse strings the club managed to pay for the development of the original playing field and the building of the first clubhouse.

His contribution to the club was recognised when he was named the Hall of Fame Award winner for 2005.

In recent years, he and Mag enjoyed their trips on the club’s social outings near and far.

In addition to Gaelic games, Tommy had an equal passion for horse racing. He was part of the local Neighbours’ Syndicate, whose horse More Rainbows won the Galway Hurdle in 2005, with a 19 year-old Niall 'Slippers' Madden on board, for trainer Noel Meade, at 33/1. Local owner Chris Jones' Tiger Cry finished in second place.

Other horses owned by the syndicate included Lights and Music, which won at festival meetings at Fairyhouse and Punchestown, and Medical Card. Tommy had the important job of treasurer with the syndicate. His holidays were racing festivals like Tramore or Galway.

In 1965, Tommy married Margaret Foley of the well-known Foley's Forge family, and they built a home and reared their family of four at Lagore Road.

With Mag, he opened T&M O'Dwyer in 1980, serving the community of Dunshaughlin for the next quarter of a century.

At his funeral Mass, Fr Sean Henry recounted that the shop was famous for its ham, as well as bring a focal point for the village.

He also paid tribute to Tommy's constant support and dedication to the parish, as one of the first Special Ministers for the Eucharist, and as a member of the team who quietly, discreetly, and confidentially counted the church collections every Monday.

Among the symbols brought to the altar by family members were his black and amber jersey from 1967; a Gaelic football; the silks and a photo of More Rainbow; a remote control; and a family photo.

Tommy is survived by Mag, their family, Pearse, Brian, Aileen and Eamonn; grandchildren, Kelly, Kyle, Leah, Abbie, Jack, and Jamie; son-in-law, Nicky Roche; daughters-in-law, Sharon and Tracey; brothers, Paddy, Moortown, and Michael, Castleknock; sisters, Sheila, Dunshaughlin, and Nora Lenehan, Duleek; nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends. A funeral took place from Ss Patrick and Seachnall's Church, Dunshaughlin, to the local cemetery.