At the funeral Mass yesterday of Galway hurling start Tony Keady, mourners were told by Oranmore parish priest, Fr Diarmuid Hogan, that while hurling had played a big part in Tony’s life, his family were always his main priority.

Thousands attended the funeral to pay their respects to the wife and children of the 53 year old who died last week after suddenly becoming unwell.

Tony Keady, who was centre-back on the Galway team that won two All-Irelands in 1987 and 1988, was voted Hurler of the Year in 1988, and also won All-Stars in 1986 and 1988.

Mr Keady’s daughter, Shannon, paid a touching tribute to her father and said he was the greatest centre-back, on and off the pitch.

Fr Hogan said that while hurling was one of the major parts of Mr Keady’s life, his family always came first.