Death of Tom Furlong
May 14, 2015
The late Tom Furlong takes time out to sign autographs. Pic courtesy Offaly Sporting Memories
The death has taken place in Florida of Tom Furlong, whose family is synonymous with Offaly and New York GAA.
Tom was one of four Tullamore brothers who excelled on the GAA fields, the others being John, Mickey and Martin, who famously saved Mikey Sheehy's penalty as Offaly denied Kerry a five-in-a-row of All-Ireland SFC titles in 1982. Martin also won All-Ireland medals in 1971 and '72.
While Martin remained in Ireland, Tom, John and Mickey left for America as young men. Tom had represented Offaly at minor and senior level in a vareity of positions before arriving in New York in 1964. There, he became a household name during what was a golden era for New York GAA and starred in their 1967 National Football League final victory over the great Galway three-in-a-row team.
Tom's accuracy from frees led to him earning a trial as a place kicker with the New York Giants. He was contracted to their taxi squad (training panel) for nearly $800 per game and then signed for the Atlanta Falcons. However, a serious knee injury put an end to his burgeoning American football career.
Along with his wife Yvonne, Tom ran a pub in the Catskills for many years until he suffered a debilitating stroke in 2011. Aged 71, he was a hugely popular figure who will be sorely missed.
May he rest in peace.
Following is an interview with Tom Fulong in Hogan Stand from 2001.
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