Community in shock after GAA star’s tragic death in crash

Date Published: 20-Jun-2012

The close knit community in Dunmore was plunged into sadness following the death of a local GAA player in a single vehicle accident on Monday night.

The fatal crash happened just a day after 25 year old James O’Toole from Cappagh, Dunmore had played an influential role in his club’s intermediate football championship victory over Monivea/Abbey at Corofin.

Secondary school teacher James had celebrated his birthday last week and was delighted with Dunmore MacHales’ progression in the championship on Sunday as he lined out at wing forward for his club.

Indeed James played under-age football for Dunmore

through the various grades and was delighted when he broke onto his club’s most senior team and felt that they had a good chance of gaining promotion this year.

In fact the deceased was very much a clubman in that he was over the under 16 side in Dunmore and organised the annual summer camp with former Galway player David Cronin from Dunmore.

His untimely death has shocked every member of the GAA club who held him in very high regard as they were preparing to form a guard of honour at his funeral.

James was the oldest of six children born to Seamus and Sally O’Toole and he taught woodwork in St. Coleman’s College, Claremorris.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.