Heartache as ‘loveable rogue’ Irishman, 40s, dies after fall in New York & GAA club pays tribute to ‘brilliant hurler’

TRIBUTES have poured in for a “loveable rogue” who died suddenly in New York City earlier this month.

Former Clare Senior Hurler Anthony Kilmartin, aged in his 40s, sadly passed away following a fall on July 12.

According to The Clare Echo, Anthony, who was affectionately known as ‘Sconey’, had been living in New York for over a decade when he suffered the fatal fall.

His passing has left his beloved family “heartbroken”.

A death notice said he is deeply missed by his father Tony, mother Eileen, sister Helen, brother David and his siblings’ partner Elaine.

Anthony is also deeply mourned by his partner Karen, brother-in-law Anthony, nephew Conor, nieces Jessica and Leanna, grandnephew CJ, uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family and his “wide circle of friends far and near.”

He was a revered member of Newmarket-On-Fergus GAA Club, which has since paid an emotional tribute to him following the “truly appalling news” of his passing.

The club wrote: “He was a brilliant hurler for us, throughout a glittering underage career and culminating in a senior championship medal in 2012.

“The crucial goal in that County Final came from an audacious assist by Sconey. He also played for Clare with distinction at every level.

“On top of all that though, Sconey had something special about him – a huge amount of charisma.

“The sort of guy who put a jolt of electricity into every dressingroom he walked into. When he left some years ago for the US we lost, not just a hurler, but an incredibly positive force within the parish.

“God we will miss him! Our heartfelt condolences to his parents Eileen and Tony, and to his siblings, Helen and David.”

Mourners have remembered Anthony as an “all round nice guy” who was “full of fun”.

One wrote: “Sconey was such a wonderful young man, great hurler and a loveable rogue. He will be greatly missed by so so many people. Ar dheis De go raibh a hAinm dilis. Codhladh Samh a dhuine uasal.”

Another said: “It’s been years since I last met Sconey but it really doesn’t seem like that long ago since we played hurling and soccer together in Newmarket growing up and the memories are still very clear.

“I’ll remember him as a great sportsman and character but also as a great team mate who had everyones’ back. I can recall at least two occasions where he came to my aid!”

A third wrote: “We will be forever grateful to Sconey for the wonderful memories he gave us when he lined out for his beloved Blues.

“He was a truly lovable rogue who brought joy to so many and will be fondly remembered. Our deepest sympathies also to his many great friends, both here and in New York.”

Another added: “Tony was a man like no other, he always looked out for me since moving to New York earlier this year.

“On and off the pitch he was a pure gent, a kind and generous soul and I couldn’t have asked for a better man to share my time in the states with.

“It was an honour to know Tony as well as I did. He did his family immensely proud.”

Anthony will repose at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Newmarket-on-Fergus from 5pm tomorrow, with his funeral taking place at 11am on Thursday.

His family has requested any desired donations be made to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, a charity that helps families bring the bodies of loved ones who have died abroad back to Ireland.