Ballyphehane GAA mourns passing of club legend Billy Twomey

Ballyphehane GAA have been left numb and saddened by the passing of one of their greatest members, Billy Twomey.

Billy passed away in the wonderful care of the staff at Cork University Hospital on Monday.

He devoted his life to his beloved Ballyphehane GAA on and off the field ever since the early 1960s.

He held every position in the club from being such an important player for many years to going all the way to being president, a position he held up until his death.

Billy’s main highlight on the playing field came in 1979 when he played an integral role in Ballyphehane winning the City Junior B Hurling Championship title. 

In Billy’s later years, he was a key driver in the promotion of the Ballyphehane GAA lotto, which brought in funds to the club and was also heavily involved in the underage section, laying the foundation for a bright future for the southside outfit.

He was always very proud of all the players and was held in high regard by all that were under his tutelage.

One of his most famous sayings during his coaching career was, 'All we need is a goalkeeper, the rest of ye spread out'.

Billy played his part in helping the club field a minor football team last year for the first time in 11 years. It was fitting that the young group of players went on to achieve success last season by winning the Paddy O’Leary trophy, named after a former member of the Ballyphehane GAA club.

In a statement to The Echo, Ballyphehane GAA paid tribute to one of their beloved sons on Tuesday evening.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our president and most of all, a friend to all at the club and in the community. Billy was not only just a Ballyphehane GAA man, he was a family man and a very proud member of this great community. The tireless work he did between the underage ranks and adult teams was incredible. This is a sad time for the club to lose such a well-respected member and cherished friend.

“Billy was a vital part of Ballyphehane GAA and the community. When you think of great club people and loyalty, Billy was right up there. He has left a remarkable legacy at the club.” 

Billy will repose at Sullivan's funeral home, Turners Cross on Friday, June 20 from 2pm until 3pm. His funeral mass is on Saturday, June 21 at 12 noon in the Church of the Assumption, Ballyphehane.

Ballyphehane GAA have many great characters that have kept the club on the straight and narrow. Billy was most certainly one of them.

A true legend of Ballyphehane GAA and the local community. He was known as 'Mr Ballyphehane'.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam Dilís.