Theo English was a powerful midfielder for the Tipperary hurlers in the 1950s and 1960s.
It was with great sadness that Tipperary GAA County Board learned on Sunday morning of the passing of former Marlfield and Tipperary great Theo English.
In a glittering career which spanned the early fifties to the late sixties Theo English won every honour in the game. A member of one of the greatest Tipperary teams of all time his record speaks for itself. 5 All Ireland senior medals in seven appearances, 7 Munster medals, 8 National League medals, 4 Railway cup medals and 5 Oireachtas medals plus a junior hurling All Ireland medal in 1953.
Not only was Theo a hurler of renown, he was also a talented footballer, winning county titles with Clonmel Commercials and the Old Bridge and a Munster Junior Football title with Tipperary in 1952. He was included at centre-field in Tipperary’s hurling team of the century. While these were the highlights, following a glittering playing career he continued to make a huge contribution to the GAA and was a senior hurling selector for Tipperary’s All Ireland successes in 1971 and 1989.
Following his time as an inter county selector Theo went on to make a positive contribution to several club sides and he brought something special to every club he was with and was described by many as the best judge of a hurler in his time. He was also an excellent referee and refereed many important games around South Tipperary. He served on the Tipperary County Board for a time and was Tipperary’s representative on the Munster Council for a one-year term.
Tipperary County Board Chairman Joe Kennedy said: “Theo English was an outstanding player for both club and county. He excelled as a player on Tipperary teams during a golden era for hurling in the county. He can truly be described as a legend of the GAA in Tipperary”.
Theo’s funeral cortege will arrive at St Mary’s Church, Irishtown, on Wednesday at 11.50am for a private Funeral Mass at 12 noon followed by burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Due to government restrictions numbers are limited to 10 in the church. Mass can be viewed on www.churchservices.tv/clonmel.
We extend our sincere sympathies to his wife Maureen, daughter Siobhan, sons Theo (Jnr), John and Conor. His Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, relatives and his wide circle of friends.
Go ndeanai Dia trocaire ar a Anam
