Michael Fisher
Tributes have been paid to the former groundsman at St Tiarnach’s Park in Clones, Tommy McCabe, who died last week aged 67 and whose funeral was held on Thursday. Mr McCabe, from nearby Cherry Park, spent many years caring for the GAA grounds where the Ulster Final is held every summer. His great care and attention meant that the Clones pitch was always in top condition for the spectacle of the year. Some competitors said it was the best surface they had ever played on.
The Clones venue hosts almost 150 games a year. Over the decades, Mr McCabe was centrally involved in preparing the pitch on each occasion, getting the facilities ready and ensuring the gates were unlocked for teams and spectators alike. Speaking at Requiem Mass at the Sacred Heart Church, Fr Kevin Connolly recounted how Tommy had started off life in Roslea Terrace and the family then moved a short distance to Cherry Park. This was a blessing as it brought him close to St Tiarnach’s Park, which became a lifeline throughout his life. Fr Kevin continued: “He was a hard-working man, providing for his family and turning his hand to….
