Tributes paid in Ballintubber following passing of ‘true gentleman’ Liam O’Toole

BALLINTUBBER is mourning the passing of Liam O’Toole, to whom glowing tributes have been paid following his passing at the age of 96.

Mr O’Toole was a member of the Ballintubber team that won the West Mayo Junior title in 1960. That same year, he was a part of the West Mayo panel that won the senior county title. He also played rugby with Ballinrobe Rugby Club for a period in his youth.

Among his other interests in life were farming, card-playing, set dancing, horse racing and singing. 

In a post on social media, Ballintubber GAA described him as one of their ‘all-time greats’ who remained ‘loyal and devoted’ to the club throughout his life. 

“Even in his 96th year, Liam was a regular attendee at club functions and matches, where he took great pride in seeing his grandson, Tiernan, wear the very red and white jersey that he wore with such distinction. Liam himself never failed to sport his beloved red tie at any such occasion,” read a statement from the club. 

Mr O’Toole was the longest-serving member of the Ballintubber Abbey Choir. Only recently, he sang ‘Ár nAthair’  with his sons Jim, Tom and Colm on the choir’s recently-released album ‘Dóchas ’s Grá’. He used to sing the song in the Abbey every St Patrick’s Day and the choir have continued to do so ever since.

Paying tribute, Ballintubber Abbey Choir described him as ‘a true gentleman’ who ‘always made everyone feel so welcome’. 

“Liam will be fondly remembered for his love of music, his joyful singing and amazing recollection for the words of songs, for starting off the ‘sing songs’ at choir parties, teaching dancers to ‘Shoe the Donkey’ and his love of the Irish language,” added a statement from the choir on social media. 

Mr O’Toole had a keen interest in stonework and was heavily involved in the refurbishment of the historic Ballintubber Abbey during the 1960s. 

Ballintubber Abbey described him as ‘a true pillar of our community’ in a statement made following his passing. 

“His unwavering faith, love for music, and commitment to our community left a lasting impact on all who knew him,” it continued. “Liam’s presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the heart of the Abbey he cherished so much.”

Liam O’Toole will be reposing at Ballintubber Resource Centre (F12T2C9) on this evening (Wednesday) from 5 o’clock with removal at 8 o’clock to Ballintubber Abbey.

His passing is deeply regretted by his loving wife Teresa, his children Maura Cuffe (Castlebar), Tommie O’Toole (Ballintubber), Margaret Rowan (Dunboyne), Noel O’Toole (Castlebar), Helen O’Toole (Seattle, USA), Ann Morley (Claremorris), Colm O’Toole (Portlaoise), Jim O’Toole (Ballintubber), Carmel Staunton (Carraholly), Monica O’Toole (Ballintubber) and Roisin Deehan (Limavady), sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, partners, 26 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, brother, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.

His Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday morning at 11 o’clock with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. The Mass can be viewed online. 

May he rest in peace.