Offaly GAA club pay tribute to a kind and gentle lady

Clara GAA was saddened to learn this week of the passing of life long member and former Committee member Ann (Nanto) Reynolds.

Nanto was born into the famous Nolan family steeped in GAA history. She was the youngest of the 6 Nolans. Nanto did more than people realise for Clara GAA Club and contributed massively to her beloved Club for many years. She was a life member of the Club and sat on committees for over 30 years. She held numerous positions during her time including Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.

She was heavily involved with the underage side of the Club as an administrator in the 1990's, this was the most successful period for Clara in our 138th year history. Nanto was first to offer help with gates, lotto and thrived in going onto sub committees during the interview process for any incoming management. She was not afraid to give her opinion or ask the hard questions. GAA back in the '70s, 80s and '90s was mainly male dominated but this never deterred Nanto; she was well able and more capable than most men.

Nanto had a huge interest in her four children and the minute they could walk they were handed a football and she helped nourish the talent that she saw in them. David, Willie and John were fine footballers who all went on to represent Club and County at every level and they weren't too bad at hurling either. Anne Marie was also an excellent footballer as she represented Ard Scoil Chiarain, Clara Ladies and indeed Offaly Ladies footballers.

Nanto's love was football and she followed every Clara team at every level. She knew every child by name and never once said a bad word about a player or let a bad word be said about any player. If you were in Nanto's presence at a match you didn't need a scoreboard. She took note of every scorer in every game she attended and there's no doubt that goes into the thousands. Many people went to look for Nanto at half time and full time to get the correct score.

Offaly aid worker bringing medical supplies to Ukraine

Nanto was a loving wife, sister, mother and grandmother. She was very generous with her time and loved having a chat. Nanto was a kind, humble, gentle lady. She loved her family and her Club.

The Gaelic Athletic Association is built by people in Club's like Nanto and we are extremely proud to know and have Nanto as one of ours.

We have lost more than our fair share of good GAA people and Gael's who have passed on to their heavenly reward over the past few years. No doubt they are all looking down on us and having a great chat about their beloved Club.

Nanto will be sadly missed and very fondly remembered by us all at Clara GAA. We express our deepest sympathies to her husband Bill, children David, Willie, Anne-Marie and John. Her brothers Peter, Paddy and Willy and to  the extended Reynolds and Nolan families and her many friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.