Roscrea mourns loss of former teacher and community leader

Roscrea is this week mourning the loss of a well known educator who was dedicated to supporting his local community.

Steve Crofton from Parkmore in Roscrea and formerly of The Crescent, Loughrea, Co. Galway, passed away peacefully on Friday last (January 16) at Limerick Regional Hospital following a short illness surrounded by his family.

A former teacher at the Christian Brothers School in Roscrea and very well known through his involvement in several sporting and community organisations, Mr Crofton was described as “a gentleman” when Tipperary Councillors paid tribute to him at their monthly district meeting in Thurles on Monday.

Roscrea Councillor, Shane Lee, said Mr Crofton's death “is a huge loss to the town” and said he was at the heart of the community working for the community throughout his life and until the end.

A founding member of the Roscrea Saint Patrick's Day Committee, Roscrea Community Development Council and Roscrea Tidy Towns, Mr Crfoton was also very involved in several local sporting clubs including Roscrea Golf Club, Parkmore Tennis Club and organising hurling and football tournaments for the students at the Christian Brothers Secondary School.

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Throughout his working life and retirement Mr Crofton was committed to his adopted home in Roscrea and kept in contact with many students he educated in geography, history and English during his teaching career.

During his years as Secretary of Roscrea's Community Development Council (RCDC) he worked tirelessly alongside Chairman, John Lupton, to protect the Dean Maxwell Community Nursing Home and keep Roscrea high on the minds of Tipperary's local authority and Dáil representatives and in the local media.

Roscrea Golf Club extended their sympathy to the Crofton family on his recent passing and in a tribute said “Steve has been and will always be synonymous with Roscrea Golf Club for the time he contributed to the club.

Steve Crofton RIP

“Steve served the club in many roles, starting with Juvenile Governor back in the eighties, to most recently being a member of the All Ireland Captains’ prize and Lotto sub-committees.

“Steve also took on the roles of Captain, President and Secretary of the club, which he carried out with great dedication and due diligence.

“Steve was a fantastic clubman who guided so many people in the right direction with his experience and knowledge.

“He was an exemplary ambassador for Roscrea Golf Club and a calming, reassuring presence in times of need.

“We will all miss greatly the kind-hearted, warm, devoted man that was Steve Croton. Rest in Peace,” Roscrea Golf Club said.

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Mr Crofton is pre-deceased by his parents Stephen and Nora and his sister Gabrielle and was beloved husband of 50 years to his wife Rose and loving father to sons Niall and Brian.

He will be sadly missed by his daughters-in-law Mary and Orla, his grandchildren Alison, Ciara, Harry, Jessica, Isabelle and Daniel, his relatives, wide circle of friends, good neighbours and former colleagues.

Following Funeral Mass at 12 noon on Tuesday at St Cronan's Church in Roscrea, Mr Crofton was buried in St Cronan's Cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.