Falvey, Tony
February 20, 2013The late Tony Falvey 1951-2013
The late Tony Falvey, christened Patrick Anthony, was born at home in Batterfield, Firies on February 13, 1951. His parents were Jerry (RIP 1983) and Shelia (nee Scannell, RIP 1995).
Tony and his younger brother, Seamus, enjoyed a happy childhood. Days were filled between helping out at home and recreation. Chores consisted of drawing buckets of water from the well and keeping the home fires burning. The annual trips to the bog were a highlight when a meitheal of locals helped to cut lorry loads of turf. There was plenty of hard work, but fun and merriment abounded also on these occasions.
Falvey's was a rambling house and during the long winter nights, neighbours gathered to tell stories, play '31', and discuss the topics of the day. A roaring fire blazed on the open hearth and once the rosary was recited, the card playing and story-telling began. House dances were also a feature and Tony's father, Jerry, was well able to play the accordion for the Polka sets. These were happy, carefree times.
Patsy Donoghue's kiln field was the sports arena. Here, football, hurling and athletics provided the Falvey brothers and their neighbours with many hours of sporting enjoyment.
Tony excelled at athletics. Encouraged by a fellow Batterfield man, the evergreen Jim O'Shea, Tony joined Farranfore AC - then as now, a vibrant club.
Tony represented Kerry on many occasions, and had as teammates such notable exponents as Dan Murphy (St John's AC), Sonny Fennell, Jerry Kiernan and John R Walsh (Listowel AC), and Tadgh 0'Donoghue (Kenmare AC).
In 1970, Tony, along with many of the aforementioned was a member of the Kerry U20 team which achieved 2nd place in the Munster Cross Country and a highly commendable 3rd place finish in the All-Ireland equivalent.
During this period, Tony was also an active playing member on Firies GAA teams. Jerry Foley, then principal of Lonefield N.S, was a major influence in promoting football in this parish. Tony often lined out beside his brother Seamus in the half forward line.
A ciotog, Tony was an accurate free-taker, and was on the Firies panel when the club won an epic O'Sullivan Cup Final replay in Currow in 1979.
However, it is as a referee and administrator that Tony made his most significant contribution to the GAA. He refereed two O'Donoghue Cup Finals (Centenary year 1984 and 1991). He served as chairman of the Firies club for many years and it was during his tenure in the chair that Pairc Eamonn was declared Open in 1989.
The fine playing field and magnificent Sports Hall were completed under Tony's chairmanship and are a fitting testament to his excellent leadership of the club. Tony went on to serve as vice-chairman of the East Kerry Board and was Scor officer at club and district board level.
He acted as Fear ATI at several East Kerry Scor finals and was proud and thrilled in 1987 when Firies captured the coveted Scor na Nog East Kerry set dancing title.
Tony was educated at Longfield N.S and Killarney Vocational School (New Street). He took up employment as an apprentice fitter turner with Liebmerr Irl in 1967 and remained there until 1984. Tony was also employed at Dawn Dairies, Radiac (Castleisland), Pat Sheahan Meats, and in the Local Employment Services in Cahirciveen and Tralee.
While work and sport played a significant role in Tony's life, there is no doubt that his main priority was his family. As a devoted husband and father, Tony committed himself totally to the welfare and happiness of his loved ones.
He first met the love of his life, Helen Egan, at a dance in Farranfore on November 20, 1969. They got engaged on the same date in 1972 and were married in St Mary's Cathedral on December 27,1974.
The Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Joe Quirke OSA, a close neighbour and lifelong friend. Tony and Helen raised five children: Oliver, Veronica, Patrick, Helena, and Sean. Oliver's twin brother, Jeremiah (RIP) died shortly after birth in December 1975. Their strong faith and love for each other helped Tony and Helen to overcome their sadness at that difficult time.
Tony dearly loved all his children and was quietly proud of their achievements.
He was a proud and loving grand- father to Aoibhinn and Ciara (daughters to Veronica and Steve), and to Shauna and Emma (Oliver and Margaret's two little girls).
Tony's love for and devotion to his family was returned in equal measure. This was never more evident than during his long illness when his family lavished so much love and care on him. This great love enriched his life and helped him to bear his illness with great courage and patience.
The family greatly appreciates, as indeed Tony did, the wonderful care he got from so many people since he underwent surgery in 2002. Mr Marks and nursing staff at Cork University Hospital, consultant Dr Helen Moore and nursing staff at Tralee's Bon Secours Hospital, and Kerry General Hospital provided Tony with excellent care.
Sincere gratitude is due also to the team at Farranfore Medical Centre, to Aherns Pharmacy, and to the Palliative Care team and Home Helps provided by the HSE and the Wheelchair Association. The support and prayers of so many neighbours and friends greatly helped Tony and family during his illness. Special thanks to his best friend and long standing colleague, Paul Sweeney and to Peter Clifford, who both visited him regularly. Fittingly, Tony now rests in Kilnanare Cemetery, very close to the resting place of another dear and devoted friend, the late Jerome Daly. Tony's Christian faith was most important to him and the visits from the local clergy, Fr Noel Spring and Fr Tadgh Doherty were a real source of strength and consolation to Tony.
Tony, may your brave and gentie soul rest in peace, and may the sod rest lightly on you. Many happy memories will sustain us until we meet again.
In De go gCastar Sinn Lionta.
Courtesy of The Kerryman. Tweet
