Thomas Clynch, who died earlier this week, was a name synonymous with one of the most successful periods in Simonstown's history as the club established strong underage foundations in the 1980s.
For many, Thomas was the man who lit the spark for a succession of Simonstown underage teams that rose to the top of their respective championships through that decade and dominated.
At a time when the northern end of Navan was expanding and links were forged with St Oliver and St Paul's national schools, Thomas was one of the key drivers in the progress made.
He was manager of the first team to contest a Meath underage final but the U-12s lost to Dunboyne in the 1982 final. At the time Simonstown were in the 'rural' competition which was distinct from a 'town' championship that had four teams.
Twelve months later however amends were made when another U-12 team reached a final but this time that group, featuring many players in their second successive final, got the better of Dunboyne to claim the club's first ever underage title, a milestone. His sons Gary and Conor, and later Martin, routinely featured on those teams.
Thomas had a persuasive way about him, ensuring players got out and played. And he always enjoyed a strong connection with those players.
He was never reluctant to knock on doors in the area to ensure that no stone was left unturned and that any player who was a possibility quickly became a certainty. The saleman's touch, honed through years on the road as a rep with Roadstone, and the ability to converse easily with a cheerful demeanour, won over many parents and players and put them on the Simonstown path.
Success followed for these teams after that under Thomas' guidance and strong football sense. In 1985 he spearheaded the first Feile team from the club and a year later he was the helm as the club landed its first U-16 championship, beating St Patrick's in a final in Skryne.
The fruits of those teams would help to propel Simonstown in the years that followed from being a junior club to senior status by the middle of the next decade.
Often he was assisted by his brother-in-law, the late Seamus Heaney who was married to his sister Betty and his next door neighbour in St Enda's Villas, Paddy Clarke.
While the 1980s were his time around Simonstown he did have involvement with some of the adult teams and was on the sideline for a 1995 junior B championship win and much later a short spell as a senior selector during one of Des Lane's years in charge. Des is married to Thomas' niece Karen, deepening the connection to Simonstown.
Thomas himself had a successful underage career with Navan De La Salle, as did his brother Seamus who was on the first All-Ireland winning Meath minor team in 1957. Their father Willie played for Meath as a corner-back on the first national league winning team in 1933. Thomas was also a nephew of another Meath stalwart of the 1930s, 'Boiler' McGuinness.
In tandem with his football interests, Thomas was an avid golfer and member of Royal Tara where the handicappers often struggled to keep pace with him!
For a generation of players who had their first competitive football experiences under his direction, Thomas Clynch will be remembered warmly for his rich contribution to Simonstown underage football, both for the playing numbers he generated and the success he had with his teams.
Simonstown Gaels GFC would like to acknowledge the contribution of Thomas Clynch to our club & extend our sympathy to the Clynch family at this time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
https://rip.ie/death-notice/thomas-clynch-meath-navan-582436
For many, Thomas was the man who lit the spark for a succession of Simonstown underage teams that rose to the top of their respective championships through that decade and dominated.
At a time when the northern end of Navan was expanding and links were forged with St Oliver and St Paul's national schools, Thomas was one of the key drivers in the progress made.
He was manager of the first team to contest a Meath underage final but the U-12s lost to Dunboyne in the 1982 final. At the time Simonstown were in the 'rural' competition which was distinct from a 'town' championship that had four teams.
Twelve months later however amends were made when another U-12 team reached a final but this time that group, featuring many players in their second successive final, got the better of Dunboyne to claim the club's first ever underage title, a milestone. His sons Gary and Conor, and later Martin, routinely featured on those teams.
Thomas had a persuasive way about him, ensuring players got out and played. And he always enjoyed a strong connection with those players.
He was never reluctant to knock on doors in the area to ensure that no stone was left unturned and that any player who was a possibility quickly became a certainty. The saleman's touch, honed through years on the road as a rep with Roadstone, and the ability to converse easily with a cheerful demeanour, won over many parents and players and put them on the Simonstown path.
Success followed for these teams after that under Thomas' guidance and strong football sense. In 1985 he spearheaded the first Feile team from the club and a year later he was the helm as the club landed its first U-16 championship, beating St Patrick's in a final in Skryne.
The fruits of those teams would help to propel Simonstown in the years that followed from being a junior club to senior status by the middle of the next decade.
Often he was assisted by his brother-in-law, the late Seamus Heaney who was married to his sister Betty and his next door neighbour in St Enda's Villas, Paddy Clarke.
While the 1980s were his time around Simonstown he did have involvement with some of the adult teams and was on the sideline for a 1995 junior B championship win and much later a short spell as a senior selector during one of Des Lane's years in charge. Des is married to Thomas' niece Karen, deepening the connection to Simonstown.
Thomas himself had a successful underage career with Navan De La Salle, as did his brother Seamus who was on the first All-Ireland winning Meath minor team in 1957. Their father Willie played for Meath as a corner-back on the first national league winning team in 1933. Thomas was also a nephew of another Meath stalwart of the 1930s, 'Boiler' McGuinness.
In tandem with his football interests, Thomas was an avid golfer and member of Royal Tara where the handicappers often struggled to keep pace with him!
For a generation of players who had their first competitive football experiences under his direction, Thomas Clynch will be remembered warmly for his rich contribution to Simonstown underage football, both for the playing numbers he generated and the success he had with his teams.
Simonstown Gaels GFC would like to acknowledge the contribution of Thomas Clynch to our club & extend our sympathy to the Clynch family at this time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
https://rip.ie/death-notice/thomas-clynch-meath-navan-582436
