Roscommon GAA Honours Tom Hunt at Special New York Celebration

Pictured above is Thomas Murray, Chairperson of Roscommon GAA, making a presentation depicting the 1944 All-Ireland winning team to Tom and Mary Hunt

Picture credit: Nuala Purcell

Pitch at Dermot Earley Centre of Excellence to bear his name in recognition of a decade of support

Roscommon GAA paid tribute to one of its most dedicated and influential supporters, Tom Hunt, at a special celebration held in the American Irish Historical Society on Fifth Avenue in New York on Thursday last, 9th April.

The event, which coincided with Roscommon’s Connacht Championship fixture against New York, recognised Tom Hunt’s outstanding contribution to Roscommon GAA over the past decade, as well as his lifelong connection to the county, both on and off the field. A former inter-county player with deep roots in Roscommon football, Tom has remained a steadfast supporter of the county throughout his life in the United States, where he founded Ranger Pipelines in San Francisco after working on major construction and pipeline projects from Dallas to Alaska.

In a fitting tribute, Tom was presented with a framed photograph of the Roscommon teams that secured historic All-Ireland Senior Football Championship titles in 1943 and 1944. Roscommon GAA also announced that one of the pitches at the planned Dermot Earley Centre of Excellence will carry Tom Hunt’s name, ensuring that his contribution will be recognised by generations of players, both male and female, who will train and compete at the facility in the decades ahead.

The celebration brought together a distinguished gathering of Roscommon supporters and friends. In attendance were Tom, his wife Mary and family, alongside the current Rose of Roscommon, Rebecca Collins, and Róisín Hunt, Tom’s niece, who previously represented San Francisco in the Rose of Tralee. Jason Sherlock, who is one of the coaches of the Roscommon senior football team, gave his perspective on the importance of the GAA and the energy and enthusiasm he has encountered since getting involved with Roscommon GAA.

The event was also attended by representatives of the American Friends of Roscommon GAA, including Padraig McBrien, Jerry Padian and Shane Naughton, as well as a large number of Roscommon supporters based in the United States, including Kieran Keaveney of 5th and Mad, Tom Bennett and many others who continue to champion the county from abroad.

A Decade of Transformation

The evening echoed a landmark gathering held in the same venue in 2016, when Roscommon GAA last travelled to New York, a moment widely regarded as a turning point in the county’s modern development. At that time, Roscommon faced significant financial pressure, but the support shown that night provided critical momentum.

Since then, Roscommon GAA has undergone a remarkable transformation. Club Rossie, the county’s fundraising arm, has raised over €6 million. The county has won Connacht Senior titles in 2017 and 2019, claimed Connacht U20 championships in 2021 and 2024, and re-established itself as a consistent Division 1 county. Off the field, the redevelopment of King & Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park has been completed, and 24 acres of land have been secured in Roscommon town for the Dermot Earley Centre of Excellence.

A Family Rooted in Roscommon GAA

Tom Hunt’s connection to Roscommon GAA runs deep. He played with Roscommon CBS, Roscommon minors, Roscommon Gaels and Roscommon Senior championship teams in the 1970s. He was a member of the Roscommon panel that lined out in the 1972 All-Ireland Senior Football Semi-Final at Croke Park alongside the legendary Dermot Earley – the man after whom the Centre of Excellence is named.

Tom comes from a family embedded in Roscommon GAA. His father, Seamus, was one of the visionaries behind Dr Hyde Park. His brothers Seamus and Cathal are also great supporters of Roscommon GAA, while his nephew Ciaran is involved with the current senior football backroom team.

During his time as title sponsor, Tom chose to feature Club Rossie on the county jersey rather than his own business, supporting its early development and growth – a gesture that reflects his consistent, understated approach. Speaking at the event, Chairperson of Roscommon GAA, Thomas Murray, said:

“Tom’s support has never been about recognition. It has been about ensuring that Roscommon GAA continues to grow and thrive. His generosity and belief in the county have played a key role in the progress we have made over the past decade. Tonight is an opportunity to say thank you to Tom, Mary and their family for the lasting impact they have made.”

Looking Ahead

The event also marked the launch of two forward-looking initiatives: Club Rossie International, which aims to build a sustained network of global business members, and the Dermot Earley Centre of Excellence Legacy Programme, which offers naming and sponsorship opportunities within the planned facility.

US taxpayers wishing to support the Dermot Earley Centre of Excellence can do so through a tax-deductible Donor Advised Gift to The Ireland Funds America, a 501(c)(3) charitable organisation.

As Roscommon GAA looks to the future, the impact of Tom Hunt’s support over the past decade will be felt for many years to come. Tonight’s celebration was a recognition of Tom’s extraordinary support and a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between Roscommon and its people around the world.