The death has occurred in London of New Ross native, Tommy Harrell, who was a well-known figure in GAA circles and served as London County GAA Board Chairperson (2007-2012) and was secretary for 15 years. He was aged 76 years.
He was President of the famous Fr. Murphy’s Hurling Club and served the club both on and off the pitch for almost 60 years. Tommy was a familiar presence on the sideline wherever the team was playing.
Many tributes have been paid to Tommy, none more poignant and loving than that of his son, Martin. On Facebook, Martin Harrell said his father’s “bright outlook and a love for hurling and GAA” had helped him defy the odds after he was given two years to live, ten years ago.”
Paying tribute on behalf of himself and his sisters Sinead and Orla, Martin added: “Our dad was kind and generous and whose life was devoted to the love of his family. We are so proud of our wonderful dad; we are blessed and privileged that he was our dad and Grandad to Oisin and Riona.
“He meant so much to us all and we will miss him so much. Dad achieved so much during his service in the GAA and his achievements are legendary.”
Chairperson of Fr Murphy’s Jim Howlin said: “He was a great GAA man for club and county. He’ll be a big loss to the London county board and to the Fr Murphy’s and will be sadly missed. Tommy was a one-off; you won’t get many more like Tommy. His dedication to hurling at club and county level will not be repeated in London.”
London County Board Chairperson John Lacey said: “As chairperson of London GAA it is sad to discuss the passing of Tommy Harrell after a long illness, borne throughout with great strength. A proud Wexford and Fr Murphy’s man he was one of London GAA’s great servants as a hurler, referee and administrator.

TOMMY HARRELL (1942-2018). Pic; Courtesy The Irish World newspaper, London).

Born in 1942 and a native of Ballykelly, New Ross, Co. Wexford, his home club was St Patrick’s GAA Club in Horeswood.
He came to London in the summer of 1960 after completing the Leaving Cert, ‘just for a look’ at London.
The following year he was part of the Fr Murphy’s team which won the senior league, in the days when those who pulled on the ‘purple and gold’ jersey had to be from Wexford.
He went on to serve the club as secretary for 29 years, the “comradeship” of the club kept him coming back for more.
Speaking to the London-based newspaper, The Irish World, marking the club’s 60thAnniversary, Tommy said: “From 1958 to 1999 we never won a senior championship, but we always kept trying. The enjoyment of the game was the important thing.”
Murphy’s and Harrell came close to winning a senior title in 1962, only to lose to a last-minute goal when the ball “hopped over the goalkeeper’s shoulder to give them the win by a point.” Harrell described the defeat as “heart-breaking”.
When his beloved club finally won its first senior title in 2000 it was a particularly proud day for Tommy.
“It was nice for me personally to see my son Martin playing,” Tommy recalled. “He was only 18 at the time, and to see him win a senior hurling championship medal for the club I’d been secretary of for 29 years was a very proud moment.
“We kept on battling and it was a proud moment to see the club finally get to the top after 42 years.”
At this December meeting of London GAA Convention, he was re-appointed Oifigeach na Gaeilge despite his absence due to ill-health – an unprecedented act that spoke volumes about the esteem in which he was held in London GAA circles.
He was three times manager of the London team, twice in the nineties before returning to the role in 2014.
Tommy was also closely involved as selector or liaison officer and was part of the management team when the Exiles won the Nicky Rackard Cup in 2005 and Christy Ring Cup in 2012.
He was proud of his Wexford roots and chaired the London Wexford Association for seven years including its 60th anniversary in 2014, when a majorv event was held on Irish soil for the first time at the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy.
The London Wexford Association said: “Tommy always had a smile for everyone and would be sure to bring laughter to the conversations.
“He was a proud Wexford man always promoting links with Wexford and supporting great causes. He was honoured to be invited back to the St Patrick’s Day parade in New Ross to lead the parade as Grand Marshall in 2015.
Tommy will be a sorely missed figure in Ruislip, Greenford, and wherever GAA is played in London.
Tommy Harrell – Funeral arrangements
Reposing at Ryan’s Funeral Parlour: 49 Oldfield Lane South, Greenford, Middlesex, UB6 9LB – from 3 pm on Thursday, January 3rd, 2019.
Arriving at St. Joseph’s Church, 191 High Road, Harrow Weald, HA3 5EA at 7 pm on Thursday; followed by drinks at McGovern Park, West End Rd, Ruislip HA4 6QX
Funeral Mass Friday, January 4th at 10 am; Burial afterwards at Mill Hill Cemetery, Milespit Hill, London, NW7 2RR; Following the burial you are all invited to The Claddagh Ring, 10 Church Rd, Hendon, London NW4 4EA
Family flowers only. Donations, if desired to St. Luke’s Hospice, Kenton Grange.
Tommy Harrell’s proud family wishes to thank everybody for all the phone calls, emails, text messages and online messages in regards to their Dads passing!
“We have been very touched by the love, support and stories of our amazing Dad and we will give Dad a great send off and celebrate his life and all of his achievements!”