Press release
Ministers Ross and Griffin pay tribute to former GAA star Anton O’Toole RIP
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
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From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Shane Ross, TD, and the Minister with responsibility for Sport, Mr. Brendan Griffin, TD, today offered their condolences to the family of former Dublin GAA star Anton O’Toole, who passed away this morning.
O’Toole, 68, was one of the best known players on the famous Dublin team managed by Kevin Heffernan in the 1970s and early 1980s. His playing career finished with four All-Ireland senior football medals as he helped bring the Sam Maguire Cup back to the capital in 1974, 1976, 1977 and 1983.
A member of Synge St GAA club during his playing says, and a member of Templeogue Synge St up to his passing, O’Toole’s standout style of play earned him the nickname 'the Blue Panther' and he was a big crowd favourite of Dublin GAA fans, especially “the Hill”. He also won eight provincial titles, two National Leagues and three All Stars.
Minister Ross said: “It is with great sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of Anton O’Toole. He was an extremely popular player who went on to give back to his club off the field. My thoughts are with his family and close friends at this sad time.”
Minister Griffin said: “Although I did not get to see Anton O’Toole play football, I am well aware of the legacy he and his fellow Dublin legends left on the game of football in the 1970s and 1980s. The Kerry and Dublin teams of that time pushed each other onto greater heights and brought the best out of each other. Players like Anton O’Toole brought an excitement to Gaelic football that will never be forgotten. My condolences to his family and many friends at their sad loss.”
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