Thady Turbett RIP
The Tyrone GAA Community were saddened to receive the news that one of Omagh’s GAA Giants had passed away to his eternal rest. Tyrone Gaels all over the world would have heard the stories of one of the most famous Tyrone Goalkeepers to represent his Club and County namely Thady Turbett. Thady was one of the game’s most renowned goalkeepers, the Omagh man was an outstanding exponent of his art during the ’50s ahead of his time. Thady helped Tyrone win two Ulster titles, and a superb display against Galway in the 1956 All-Ireland semi-final which saw him keep a clean sheet against a star-studded Tribal attack. His brilliance was recognised when he went on to represent Ireland.
Thady Turbett was a stalwart of the Omagh St Enda’s and at the ripe old age of 92 years Thady departed the field for the last and final time. During his life time Thady gave unstinting service to his beloved Omagh St Enda’s but also to his County and wore the jersey with pride every time he took to the field.
Thady was one of those characters who left a lasting impression for anyone lucky enough to be in his company and his love of the GAA shone out for all to see. Thady devoted his life to the GAA and he was an inspiration to all the many Gaels who knew him. One of his many talents was his quick sense of humour plus his charm, wit and warmth he showed to everyone around him.
As recent as a couple of weeks ago Thady donned his Club blazer again to play his part in the Official opening of Caife 32 at O’Neills Healy Park. He was in his element as he regaled to all those present the many tales of past glories in what was a deeply humbling and wonderful experience.
Tyrone Gaels everywhere want to extend their sincere condolences to the Gaelic family of Omagh, but also to his grieving family, his wife Teresa, sons, Thaddeus and Niall, daughters Patricia and Helen, grandchildren and entire family circle we extend our deepest and sincerest sympathies. Tyrone have lost one of it’s best in every sense of the word.
Thady will leave his home at 3 Summerfield Court on Wednesday morning 7 July for Requiem Mass at Sacred Heart Church at 12.00 followed by interment in St Mary’s Cemetery, Drumragh.
Sé ar laoch. Ni bheidh a leithead aris ann. I measc Laochra na n-Gael go raibh a anam dílis
Honours won
At the tender age of just 18, Thady lined out in goals for Omagh St. Enda’s in the 1948 Senior County Championship decider against Clogher with his older brother Paddy at corner back and Leo listed in the Subs. For Thady that was only the beginning of an illustrious and highly successful career. Thady was to become not only Omagh’s but also Tyrone’s and Ulster’s most famous goalkeeper, Over his distinguished playing career Thady won a total of Six, Tyrone senior championship titles (including the first ever three-in-a-row), two Tyrone minor championship titles, at County level, two Ulster Senior championship titles with Tyrone, three Railway Cups, one McKenna Cup, one Gael Linn Cup and two Lagan Cups. He also was honoured to represent Ireland in 1954 and 1958.
Thady’s Tyrone championship titles were won in 1948, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1957 and 1963.
MFC – Appearances
1946 – Played corner forward on the Omagh team to win their first ever minor football championship title in 1946, beating Brackaville 1-3 to 0-2.
1947 – played in goals on minor team to defeat Brackaville 2-4 to 0-3 (game not played until April 1948). Back to back County Titles.
SFC – Winning Appearances
1948 – played in goals for Omagh on first team to win SFC, defeating Clogher 1-3 to 0-2. Also lining out that day on the same side were his 3 brothers, Paddy, Leo and Frank.
1952 – Defeated Clonoe 2-4 to 1-1
1953 – Defeated Clonoe3-6 to 2-3
1954 – Defeated Dungannon 1-8 to 0-5
1957 – Defeated Derrylaughan 1-7 to 0-3
1963 – Defeated Galbally 2-10 to 0-5
St. Enda’s Cup winners – 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964,
