Sad to report the passing of former Meath senior footballer Tommy Smith. Tommy won a Railway Cup with Leinster in 1961, Junior and Intermediate football championship titles with Carnaross and a senior football championship medal with Gaeil Colmcille. 

Tommy's Funeral Mass took place yesterday at St. Colmcille’s Church, Kells, with burial afterwards in St. Colmcille's Cemetery.

Carnaross and Gaeil Colmcille took to social media to pay tribute to their former player.

Carnaross GFC

Tommy Smith RIP

"The sweetest left foot in history" .

Tommy was one of the best forwards and most outstanding players to emerge from Carnaross. He was well known for his great speed off the mark, a devastating left foot and utter fearlessness in going for the ball. Tommy was from a family with a strong footballing tradition and his Dad and his brother Jack were also notable players and outstanding clubmen in their time.

The first round of the 1952 Junior Championship against Kilmainham saw Carnaross introduce Tommy Smith, a star of the 1950 all conquering Under 14 team and a player with a very bright and illustrious GAA future ahead of him. He scored 3 goals that day bringing his team to victory.

On Dec 11th 1955 Carnaross and Curraha battled for the Junior Championship title. A great team effort aided strongly by Tommy scoring two inspiring great goals helped propel Carnaross to victory and a much coveted title.

In 1957 Tommy was part of the Carnaross team that won the Intermediate Championship for the first time. He scored 1-8 in a heroic display that gave Carnaross a unprecedented winning margin of 18 points over Duleek.

Tommy played on the Meath Junior team of 1955 which reached the Leinster Final against Dublin, the game ended in a draw and unfortunately with Tommy sustaining a broken collarbone resulting in him not being able to participate in the replay, in which Meath succumbed.

Tommy's first appearance in the Meath Senior Jersey came on Nov 13th 1955 against Cavan in the Fitzsimons Cup Final where he played midfield. The Meath Chronicle stated "Meath has discovered a new star. Tommy Smith played a magnificent game at midfield. His fielding was superb. His determination and eagerness for work represented invaluable assets to his team"

1962 brought Tommy's career with Meath to an end following a knee injury. He then moved to Drumbaragh and later played with Gaeil Colmcille, with whom he won a Senior Football Championship medal in 1966 as a goalkeeper, an honour that was well deserved. He returned to play with Carnaross, where he finished his amazing career.

Other notable highlights of his football career was featuring in the rest of Ireland's team against the combined University of Ireland Team in 1957. He also participated in the Railway Cup Semi final with Leinster in 1961.

Meath legend Peter McDermott stated that "without a doubt he was one of the best forwards ever produced by Meath, his strength was amazing and had a great shot in his left foot. The fact that he didn't win major honours in no way lessens his prowess as a footballer. He was unlucky to be playing, when Meath was not a power in the game..he was a sportsman to his fingertips".

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family following the passing of Tommy. He will be fondly remembered by all that knew him.

As a mark of respect Carnaross GFC members formed a guard of honour on Sunday morning following Tommy's funeral mass at 12.15 in St Colmcille's Church, Kells.

Go ndéna Dia trócaire ar a anam.

Gaeil Colmcille

Gaeil Colmcille offers its deepest condolences to the Smith family on the death of Tommy on Thursday. Tommy was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather.

Tommy was in between the sticks for Gaeil Colmcille in 1966 when the club picked up its first Keegan Cup defeating Kilbride 0-08 to 0-06 after a replay.

Tommy had a proud career in GAA before and after Gaeil Colmcille winning a Junior Championship with his beloved Carnaross in 1955, the Intermediate Championship in 1957, the Railway Cup with Leinster in 1961. Tommy also played with Meath in 1955 and 1958.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Anna, children Fiona, Martin, Greg, Tommy and Aaron as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

May he rest in peace.

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