Tom O’Prey (1943-2017)

THE members of St Colman’s GAC, Drumaness, and the community of Magheratimpany Road, Drumaness, were deeply saddened at the recent passing of Tom O’Prey at his home on Wednesday, October 25.  

Although not as active since his retirement this came as quite a shock to his family and many neighbours and friends.

Tom was born to Tom and Josie O’Prey on June 6, 1943, at Demense Road, Edendarriff.

He attended Drumaroad Primary School and when the family moved to Magheratimpany Road in 1961, Tom took a great interest in Drumaness GAC.

This was probably the most significant transfer in the history of Drumaness GAC. Tom worked as a storeman at Fraser Homes until his retirement a couple of years ago.

As a fully committed and dedicated member of Drumaness GAC he initially got involved in the running of the youth teams, helping to manage and transport players to games .

However, it was as an administrator within the club that Tom excelled.

Tom held the positions of secretary and chairman during the 1970s and 80s. He also served as a member of the East Down Board for a short time.

Tom had a vast knowledge of all things associated with GAA and was an invaluable member of Scor quiz teams at this time.

When the club decided to open a bar and social club he got heavily involved and along with his brother Denis took on the job of bar steward. We often heard him say that when he started on the bar a pint was 72p.

After the death of his mother Tom took a back seat from the club to care for his father, who had taken ill.

However, Tom was also a keen gardener he opened small garden centre and grew flowers and shrubs, which helped him keep connected to the community. 

After the death of his father he returned to the club where he helped again with youth teams and then with the finances, marking out the pitch and assisting with the many general club duties, most notably with the club lotto.

Tom was a dedicated Gael, but he had a soft spot for Manchester United and would go a couple of times a year to Old Trafford with the Downpatrick Manchester United Supporters Club, of which he was a member.

Tom will be missed, not only by the members of St Colman’s GAC, Drumaness, but by his neighbours and friends whom Tom always looked out for. He was always available to help or just to stop and have a chat.

At Tom’s funeral mass in Christ the King Church, Drumaness, the large congregation heard how Tom lived his live for his family, friends and community.

Tom is survived by his brother ,Denis, sister-in-law Mary and nieces Siobhan and Claire.