TONY DONNELLY
It’s with a heavy heart we must report the passing of Tony Donnelly, a great friend to all at Shelbourne Park.
Known affectionately as “Number 1” to all on the tote at Shelbourne, Tony was one of the most popular and recognizable figures at the famous venue for almost fifty years.
Tony started on the tote at Dundalk in the 70s, calculating dividends but he soon made the move to Dublin and acted as the levy collector for over four decades. He was more than just a member of staff, however.
Tony was a people person and there was scarcely an evening where Tony wasn’t cracking jokes and having fun with regulars and staff alike.
He also gave plenty back to the sport of greyhound racing. In fact, Tony initiated and ran the Monaghan GAA Supporters Club Benefit Night at Shelbourne Park, which was for many years one of the biggest benefit meetings on the Irish calendar.
Those who knew Tony were more than aware of his love for Monaghan GAA. If at any time, one of the many Monaghan teams, be it underage, junior, senior, male or female, tasted any success, Tony would skip into work the following week and spread the gospel of Monaghan GAA.
In recent years, however, one subject took over from Monaghan GAA in Tony’s priorities. His daughters Michelle and Edel both worked at Shelbourne Park in different roles over a number of years and as they moved on, got married and started having children, Tony turned into, as he said in his own words, a big softie.
He would gladly show pictures of their weddings and in more recent times, his beautiful grandchildren of which he was so proud. Tony was a great character, tremendous company and more importantly a good man. I will miss him dearly, as will so many that work at and frequent Shelbourne Park.
We would like to send on our sincerest condolences to loving wife Nancy, his daughters Michelle and Edel, grandchildren Jordan, Nathan and Evie, his sons-in-law David and Karl, sisters Kathleen and Eileen, brothers Jackie and Joseph, his nieces, nephews, extended family and his many friends in both greyhound racing and GAA circles.
May He Rest In Peace
Funeral Notice
DONNELLY, Anthony (Tony) (Coolock, Dublin and formerly of McCurtain St, Clones, Co. Monaghan) – 18th June 2022, peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff of the Mater Private Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Nancy (née Macken) and devoted father to Michelle and Edel; he will be very sadly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren Jordan, Nathan and Evie, sons-in-law David and Karl, sisters Kathleen and Eileen, brothers Jackie and Joseph, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
May he rest in Peace
Reposing at Jennings Funeral Home, Oscar Traynor Road, Coolock, on Tuesday 21st June between 2pm and 5pm. Removal on Wednesday 22nd June to St. Joseph the Artisan Church, Bonnybrook, arriving for 10am Mass, followed by burial in Balgriffin Extension Cemetery.
Those who are unable to attend the funeral, please feel free to leave a message in the Condolence Book HERE. Family flowers only please, donations if desired to the Irish Cancer Society.
The Mass may be viewed by clicking on the following link: https://www.bonnybrookparish.ie/tv/