Tom Donohoe gave a lifetime service to Buffers Alley and Wexford.

It is with sadness that we recall the passing of one of Wexford’s Gaels in mid-December.

Tom represented Wexford on the minor hurling team in 1947 and in 1951 he captained Buffers Alley to a County  Junior hurling final win over neighbours Blackwater.  A regular member of the Wexford Junior hurling team in the early 1950’s, Tom was a contender for a place on the Wexford Senior team as they came to prominence during this period.

As a selector he had many triumphs with Buffers Alley and Wexford.

 He was a selector with Wexford’s Leinster winning Intermediate hurling team of 1963 and Wexford’s All-Ireland Senior hurling team of 1968. In fact, Tom was the last surviving member of that selection team.

That same year he served as a selector with Buffers Alley succeeding in bring a senior title to the club for the first time.  He repeated that achievement in 1970, 1991 and 1992. Tom, who was one of the Vice-Presidents of the club until his death on 13^th December, also worked on the administrative side and was a former Chairman and Secretary.  He was always involved in fundraising down through the years particularly during the seventies when the dream of having the club’s own grounds and clubhouse became a reality.  Once this facility was up and running, Tom was one of the regular volunteer green keepers in the Alley who kept the pitch in excellent shape.

In later years hardly a night passed during the playing season that Tom wouldn’t be seen driving down to the pitch and sitting in his car looking at training sessions both adult and underage and always posed the question watching games or having a chat with the locals.  Likewise, he was a regular in the clubhouse where he enjoyed a game of cards with his loyal friends. Just one year ago, he was one of the finalists in the first-ever Poker Classic held in the Alley and despite his age was one of the last to leave the club. He also spoke in a very positive way about the Shed Fest held a few months ago in Buffers Alley.

Tom’s friendly disposition will be missed by everyone in Buffers Alley and Wexford. His passing will leave a void.  Ar Dheis Dé a ainm dilís