THE GAA WORLD awoke to the sad news this morning that Galway hurling great Tony Keady had passed away.
Keady, 53, was taken seriously ill in the early hours of Tuesday morning, and rushed to University Hospital Galway. The former Tribesman passed away last night.
The 1988 Hurler of the Year won two All-Ireland medals with his county, and is regarded as one of the best centre backs to play the game.
Tributes have been pouring in for the hurling icon from past and present players, clubs, counties and others.
Galway GAA have also released a statement following the former Killimordaly defender’s passing:
“Galway GAA is gripped in a cloud of deep sadness and sorrow today with the news of the sudden and untimely passing of the great Tony Keady.
“On behalf of the entire Galway GAA Community, at home and abroad, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to Tony’s wife Margaret, daughter Shannon and sons Anthony, Jake and Harry and to all of his family.
“We offer our deepest condolence also to all the members of Tony’s beloved Club, Killimordaly, his adopted Club, Oranmore-Maree and to all of Tony’s fellow inter-county panellists, on the great Galway Hurling teams of the 1980’s and 1990, and to his numerous friends and colleagues.
“Is mór ár brón, Tony Keady imithe ár shlí na fírinne. Uaigneach muid ná an chailleach béara, slán a chara agus ar dheis Lámh Dé, go raibh a Anam Uasal Dílis.”
Jason Flynn
One of the greatest. God only takes the best of us. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Jason Flynn (@JasonFlynn66) August 10, 2017
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. RIP Tony. pic.twitter.com/tqIhHFTqli
Tomas Mulcahy
Dónal Óg Cusack
James Skehill
Galway GAA
Mór ár mbrón, Tony Keady imithe ár shlí na fírinne. Uaigneach muid ná an chailleach béara, slán a chara #Laoch @TribesmenGAA @Galway_GAA pic.twitter.com/ZMFoJENeYF
— Galway GAA (@Galway_GAA) August 10, 2017
The GAA
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam; Tony Keady. A @Galway_GAA icon, the Killimordaly man opened the scoring in the 1987 All-Ireland Hurling Final pic.twitter.com/UncWNgHIzz
— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 10, 2017
Connacht GAA
RIP Tony Keady https://t.co/EdcvFdzERX
— Connacht GAA (@ConnachtGAA) August 10, 2017
St Thomas’ GAA
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Tony Keady who sadly passed away last night. RIP Tony. #legend pic.twitter.com/KxD4dYpgLe
— St. Thomas' GAA (@StThomassHC) August 10, 2017
Spórt TG4
Tony Keady RIP: Iománaí cumasach cróga, Imreoir na Bliana 1988 agus Gaillimheach go smior. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/ayF1ZIuXT0
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) August 10, 2017
Oranmore-Maree GAA
RIP Tony Keady pic.twitter.com/RSW79bVP0j
— Oranmore-Maree GAA (@GAAOranMaree) August 10, 2017
Offaly GAA
Offaly GAA joins with the wider GAA community in expressing its sadness at the passing of Tony Keady R.I.P. @KillimordalyGAA @Galway_GAA pic.twitter.com/xrv4FNS0V0
— Official Offaly GAA (@Offaly_GAA) August 10, 2017
Clarinbridge GAA
Tony Keady RIP.... Everybody in clarinbridge is saddened at the news. He was a gentlemen to everyone he met. An Icon of Galway hurling #RIP pic.twitter.com/qOj0BNZvms
— Clarinbridge GAA (@ClarinbridgeGaa) August 10, 2017
Saw the BBC drama which was very good. Had never heard of him until then so good to see him being remembered for his work and vision.
He was one of those amazing men who left his mark on the world.
The best of men is what I think the movie was called, very good indeed.
He wasn’t afraid to mix-it with officialdom and in order to get his way.