Tributes Pour In As Dublin Bids Farewell To Anton O’Toole

Dublin Football Legend Anton O’Toole passed away this morning at the age of 68

“Anton O’Toole was a footballing giant and a gentleman both on and off the field of play”.

The only way to describe one of Dublin’s greatest sons, and the opening of Dublin CEO John Costello’s tribute to Anton O’Toole, who sadly passed away this morning.

RIP Anton O’Toole. A #Dublin #GAA legend, but more importantly, an absolute gentleman. Sincere condolences to his family, friends & club, ⁦@Tempsyngest⁩ pic.twitter.com/L6p3nGRIa9

— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) May 17, 2019

In an outstanding career, Anton won four All Ireland Championships with the Dublin Senior Footballers across two decades, in the era that changed the face of Dublin football forever.

One of the most iconic figures in Kevin Heffernan’s Blue Army, O’Toole broke onto the senior scene in 1972. Football in the capital, and it’s support was in a very dark place. But the arrival of Heffo to take the managerial role was about to change that. Anton won his first All Ireland medal in 1974 with Dublin defeating Galway by 0-14 to 1-06. He followed that with Championship silverware against Kerry in 1976 and Armagh in 1977.

Ver sad to hear of the passing of Anton O’Toole. Admired him from afar & then met him on several occasions including a boat trip to Cheltenham Races !! Loved his company, his stories & his wit. A gentleman & a brilliant footballer. Deepest condolences to his family & friends. RIP

— Marty Morrissey (@MartyM_RTE) May 17, 2019

Then, after a six year hiatus, O’Toole returned to help capture Sam Maguire one more time in 1983 as part of the ‘twelve apostles’ who overcame Galway.

Known as “The Blue Panther”, Anton played in six back to back All Ireland Finals from 1974 to 1979, and then added two more in 1983 and 1984. He picked up eight Leinster Senior Championship medals as well as two National League titles. Between 1975 and 1977 O’Toole was presented with three consecutive All Star Awards for his performances in the blue jersey.

I was very fortunate to have met Anton O’Toole lots of times over the last few years. Like the rest of the lads from the 70’s, he was a gentleman. They helped shape the culture of today’s @DubGAAOfficial team and Anton was a huge part of helping shape that #RIPTheBluePanther 💙

— EamonFennell (@EamonFennell) May 17, 2019

Today, tributes are pouring in from everywhere, fitting for both a brave warrior and a gentle soul. The Synge Street boy is held in the highest esteem in Dublin GAA circles and beyond, which is evident from the heartfelt tributes he’s received today

All of us at We Are Dublin GAA wish to extend our deepest and sincerest condolences to Anton’s family and friends at this very sad time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.

Very sad to hear of the passing of our friend Anton O’Toole today, a legend of @DubGAAOfficial as well as our club @Tempsyngest We bumped into him on Grafton Street justlast Christmas Eve where ourselves and @Glen_Hansard serenaded him with an impromptu busk of Raglan Road. R.I.P pic.twitter.com/SXeoVRZmrA

— Róisín O (@RoisinOmusic) May 17, 2019