It was with profound shock and sadness that we learnt of the sudden death of Cyril O'Flaherty last Monday morning. Nothing could have prepared any of us for this very shocking and sad news. Cyril was a long standing member of Clonmel Town F.C. His contribution to the welfare of our club stretches back almost to our foundation in 1963. In that time he played for many years with great distinction for the club. After his playing career had ended, Cyril continued to serve this club as a coach and club director. He acted as a mentor to many of our young players and never refused when called upon to coach and help the club.

Through the years his passion for our club never diminished and he always referred to Clonmel Town as being "the best junior club in the country". He took great pride in the success of Clonmel Town none more so than his brother Tom played on our 1968 Munster Junior Cup winning team. 1994 was again another proud moment for Cyril when his son Jamie won an FAI Junior Cup winners medal. He once again spoke with great pride, when his Grandson Evan Comerford played in goal on our successful Danone Cup Winning teams of 2005 and 2006.

Cyril contribution to football went beyond Clonmel Town. For many years he was on the committee of the TSDL and served as Chairman on South Tipperary's governing body. He was also a member of the Tipperary Sports Panel, an honour he was most proud of. His concern for the growth and welfare for football was almost up most in Cyril thoughts. He was a man with deep convictions on how they game should be played and administered. Cyril was a larger than life character and was one of our club's favourite sons. It is impossible to come to terms that we won't see him around the Complex again but Cyril hasn't gone to far he has merely moved location. No doubt when ever a Town team takes to the field, there will be a twelfth man on the pitch. Each and everyone of us in Clonmel Town are very honoured and privileged to have known and worked alongside him. We will do everything to maintain the high standards at the club, standards by which Cyril helped to create.
Whilst we mourn his passing, it cannot compare to the grief that his family feel at this time. All we can do is offer our prayers and deepest condolences to Cyril's family, his wife Francis, daughters Majella and Ann Marie, son Jamie and all the O'Flaherty families and friends. They can be assured that as long as Clonmel Town is in existence, Cyril O'Flaherty's and his memory will live long and never be extinguished.

God rest you Cyril. We will never forget you.

Le gach dea-mhéin
Muiris