Kathleen Tormey – A True Lady

It is with a real heavy heart that we learn of another dark cloud that has ascended over Donaghmore/Ashbourne GAA Club this morning with the sad news that Kathleen Tormey passed away peacefully last night. Kathleen, wife of past Club and County Committee Chairperson Conor Tormey passed away after what can only be described as a heroic battle with illness that started over 14 years ago. She fought this fight with unbelievable dignity and strength and carried her cross without ever complaining or showing anger and is an inspiration to us all.

Many of our newer club members might not have been lucky enough to meet Kathleen but those of us who were extremely fortunate to have met her know that she was the epitome of “A True Lady”. A quietly spoken woman she was never heard to have a bad word about anyone. Coming from a GAA strong family where her father Pat Twomey was past club chairperson, she herself played Camogie with the club and served as club secretary for years.

During her time as club secretary our club, like Ashbourne itself was going through a huge transition she was the most welcoming of people who made this writer and many newer members feel part of the Donaghmore/Ashbourne family from the initial handshake and introduction. Her warm and caring attitude was always to the fore and she made us feel at home straight away.

As the club secretary, when correspondence was by a phone call and the traditional letter, she held the position with distinction and was extremely efficient. She was highly respected within the club, at County level, and by all clubs around the county. She had a great ability to quietly overcome any issue that was presented to her and make things work.

She also worked behind the bar in the Wotton on a Monday and Wednesday night in addition to functions held our old clubhouse. Even outside of these times she would be seen in the Wotton always trying to improve things for our members.
She was an unbelievably hard club worker and was always there to help with any event but Kathleen, being Kathleen was a woman who worked quietly and much preferred to be in the background working hard and let others be up the front taking the limelight.

She was a very religious person and this was always reflected at the end of any encounter or call when she would close with the most sincere “God Bless”.

Our condolences go to Conor who lost his wife, his rock, and his best friend, to her mother Phyllis and brothers Greg, Eugene, Timmy, and Johnny together with all her extended family and friends on the loss of such a beautiful and warm person.

Kathleen really deserves a full traditional GAA send-off but due to Government advice and restrictions regarding public gatherings and to protect our most vulnerable family, friends and community members a private family funeral will take place. In a way, one cannot help but have a quiet smile and think Kathleen would prefer it this way and that there is no fuss made over her not even in death itself.

Kathleen, we all sincerely hope from the bottom of all our hearts that you are eternally rewarded for your suffering and that God holds his hand in welcome for you just like you did for so many of us in the past.

To our sister and friend we cannot but conclude without a final “God Bless”

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

22 Apr 2020

(Post originally from Donaghmore/Ashbourne GAA Club)

In addition, on behalf of the Meath GAA County Committee,

Condolences to Conor Tormey, his family, and the Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA Club on the death of Kathleen.

Kathleen Tormey was a dedicated volunteer and supporter of all things GAA and she will be missed by many. Credit to the Donaghmore/Ashbourne GAA Club for writing such a lovely note about Kathleen.

Conor served as our County Chairperson for five years and is still a fervent volunteer at Club & County level.

One of his many achievements was to deliver the Dunganny project which can be encapsulated by the completion of the main building in 2015.

The success of our GAA Centre of Excellence can be attributed in part to Conor and his team’s leadership.

Kathleen will be missed by many and Meath GAA offers our sympathies at this time to Conor and his family.