The GAA community in Wexford and Gaels across the counties are saddened at the loss of retired Teagasc and Wexford hurling star, Tom Neville, who died in the loving care of Aut Even Hospital, Kilkenny, on Friday.
Born in 1939 at Fethard-on-Sea, Tom Neville played in the left-corner back position for the Wexford senior hurling team on 27 occasions between 1960 and 1972.
A member of the Geraldine O’Hanrahan’s team based in New Ross, he played competitive hurling in his youth and made his debut on the Wexford senior side during the 1960 championship.
He had an outstanding career winning two All-Ireland medals in 1960 and 1968; five Leinster titles (1960, 1962, 1965, 1968 and 1970), three Railway Cup medals (1964, 1965 and 1967), one National Hurling League accolade in the 1966-’67 season, and and at club level won a county championship medal with Geraldine O’Hanrahan’s in 1966.
He was captain of the 1965 team beaten by Tipperary, 1-16 to 0-10) in the All-Ireland.
Neville is understood to be one of the first players to wear a helmet before the now familiar headgear became a compulsory requirement for all games.
His retirement from inter-county hurling came following Wexford’s defeat by Kilkenny in the 1972 championship.
However, he remained at the top edge of Wexford hurling and was manager of the 1976 and ’77 teams beaten on both occasions by Cork in the All-Ireland finals.
Neville later developed a skill for successful coaching and as manager of Oulart-the-Ballagh GAA Club collected a trio of Wexford county senior hurling championships in 1994, ’95 and ’97.
He was also manager of St. Martin’s, Kikenny, that won the Club All-Ireland Hurling Championship in 1984.
A quiet natured, shy man, Tom Neville was a master of his craft and is regarded as one of the greatest players of his era and is held in regard wherever great hurlers are assessed and discussed.
Beloved husband of Annie and much-loved father of Mary. Sadly, missed by his wife, daughter, sisters Stáis and Kathleen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, Peter, Emma and all his other grand-nieces and grand-nephews, cousins, relatives, many friends especially those of his GAA family.
Reposing in R. Healy & Son Funeral Home Pollerton Castle, Carlow (Ericode R93 TC53) from 3pm on Sunday concluding with prayers at 8 pm. Funeral Mass on Monday at 10 am in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow. Burial afterwards in St. Manmam’s Cemetery, Clonaslee, Co. Laois, arriving 1pm approx.
Family flowers only, please, donations in lieu to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.