RIP: Longford mourns death of accomplished footballer who also had a lifelong interest in golf and poetry
Tom Murtagh, a native of Comcille in North Longford, won an All-Ireland Colleges’ SFC medal with St Mel’s College in 1948 and his work career took him to Ferbane, Co Offaly where he joined Bórd na Móna
The death occurred, peacefully surrounded by his family, and in the tender and loving care of the staff at Ferbane Nursing Home, on Tuesday, May 28, 2026, of Thomas Murtagh, Athlone Road, Ferbane, Co Offaly and late of Aughamore, Aughnacliffe, Co Longford.
Tom was born in Aughnacliffe, in the parish of Comcille in North Longford in 1929.
After completing his primary education at Molly National School where his mother taught, he entered St Mel’s College.
There, he was centre-half back on the St Mel’s team that won its first All Ireland Senior Colleges Final, beating St Patrick’s College, Cavan in Croke Park by 4-7 to 3-3. That St Mel’s side in 1948 included fellow Colmcille men Colm and Dermot Smith.
Tom played 64 competitive games for the Longford Senior Football team from 1949 to 1958 (41 NFL, 16 Leinster SFC, 7 O'Byrne Cup) with 59 starts and 5 appearances as sub.
He made his debut versus Offaly in the NFL on October 30, 1949, at right half back, making the position his own for many years, and receiving a nomination for Longford’s team of the millennium in 2000.
The Longford side of the ‘50’s was a very competitive team, being a match for anyone in the province.
Tom, originally from Aughamore, gave tremendous service to Colmcille GAA Club in Longford, both on and off the field over many years.
He played minor and senior football with the club, enjoying success at all levels, including Leader Cup victories in 1954 and 1957, before being part of the historic 1958 Senior Championship-winning team.
In 2008, Tom returned to Pearse Park alongside many of his 1958 teammates to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that county final victory, and what a special occasion it became as Colmcille captured the county title once again that same day. Tom also lined out alongside his brother Mel, RIP, during his playing days with the club.
Tom’s work career took him to Ferbane. Joining the Bórd na Móna accounts section in 1950, Tom worked for the company in many different roles until his retirement in 1990.
During the 1960s Tom and his wife, Gracie, moved to the Athlone Road, Ferbane. There they raised their family, Grainne and Mel, and became an integral part of the local community.
Despite coming to the end of his footballing days Tom lined out for Ferbane juniors at full-back. He served on the club committee for many years, and was a steadfast supporter of Ferbane teams, all the while keeping his affection for his native Colmcille.
Tom wrote a beautiful tribute to Fr Phil McGee, acknowledging his enormous contribution to football, education and parish life, describing Fr Phil as “the pride and glory of Colmcille.”
Only last year, Tom proudly watched Colmcille in the county final alongside his niece Maura McKeon, wearing the red and green and sending a heartfelt video message wishing the players and parish the very best of luck.
He also retained a lifelong interest in both golf and poetry and following his retirement he published a collection of his works ‘Corinagh Long Ago’.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Gracie, parents Matt and Mary Jo, and his brothers and sisters.
Tom will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving daughter Gráinne, son Mel, son-in-law Michael, daughter-in-law Barbara, grandchildren, Eve, Mark, Patrick and Grace, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews (including Varnes Murtagh, Maura McKeon and Seamus Reilly, Gelsha), extended family, neighbours and many friends.
Tom reposed at Grennan's Funeral Home, Ferbane on Sunday, May 31 and requiem Mass took place on Monday, June 1 in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ferbane and he was laid to rest in Kilrehan Cemetery.
Ar Dheis Dé go Raibh a Anam Dílis.