'He was a club legend' - Mayo soccer club mourns passing of founding member

A North Mayo soccer club is in mourning as one of its founding members has passed.

Ballina Town posted the news last night, that Tommy Battle, has passed to his eternal reward.

"Tommy, of Dún Ard and formerly of the Atlantic Hotel, Enniscrone, will be fondly remembered by everyone associated with the Town," the club wrote in a statement.

“He was a club legend,” said Town chairman Mark Beattie on learning of Tommy's passing. “I've often heard tales of him. I was very sad to hear of his passing."

With his wife Angela (née Nicholson), Tommy ran the Atlantic Hotel as well as Tom's Top Ten, an iconic pub and entertainment centre situated where the Ocean Sands hotel stands today.

Tommy Battle was born in Corcoran Terrace and attended Culleens NS and St. Muredach's College (to which he won a scholarship), and was there at the very start of the Ballina Town FC journey – a journey that began in 1961 when the club was founded as St Patrick's FC.

Predeceased by his adored wife Angela, brothers Mike and George, sisters Annie and Una, and parents Bridget and Michael, Tommy is sadly missed by his children Karin (Garvey), Tommy, Niki, Barry and Steven, grandchildren Emma, Luke, Angela, Rebecca, Joshua, Hannah, Thomas, Jonathan, Isabella, Alexander, Matilda, Blaise and Theo, sister Bríd, brothers John and Anthony, daughters-in-law Rohna and Sarah, son-in-law David (Garvey), brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and a very wide circle of friends.

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'His spirit will live on'

Also, Ballina Stephenites GAA club paid tribute to Tommy Battle:

"Ballina Stephanite's GAA is deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Tommy Battle (...) Tommy was a lifelong and devoted member of our club — a former player, Secretary, and one of the true Stephanite's stalwarts. For many decades, Tommy was a constant presence at James Stephens Park and rarely ever missed a club or Mayo game."

"His passion, loyalty, and good humour made him a cherished figure throughout the Stephenites community. 

"The Ballina Stephenites Club extends its heartfelt sympathy to the entire Battle family at this sad time. Tommy’s contribution to the Stephanite's will never be forgotten, and his spirit will live on in the next generation."