Tom Hunt, a dedicated supporter of Roscommon GAA, was honored at a special celebration in New York on April 9th. This event, held at the American Irish Historical Society, recognized Hunt's outstanding contributions to the county's GAA over the past decade, as well as his lifelong connection to Roscommon. Hunt, a former inter-county player with deep roots in Roscommon football, 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.
The celebration included 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 recognized by generations of players, both male and female, who will train and compete at the facility in the decades ahead.
The event brought together a distinguished gathering of Roscommon supporters and friends, including Hunt's wife Mary and family, alongside the current Rose of Roscommon, Rebecca Collins, and Róisín Hunt, Tom’s niece. Jason Sherlock, 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 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. 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 U-20 championships in 2021 and 2024, and re-established itself as a consistent Division 1 county.
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.
Hunt's family is also deeply 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, Hunt 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.”
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.
