Anton O'Toole RIP

Former Dublin footballer Anton O'Toole died this morning.

He won several All-Ireland medals playing in the blue shirt.

Anton was known as the Blue Panther but also as a Gentle Giant.

He  was a past pupil of Synge Street and played club football for the Synge Street Club.

Anton also had a great interest in horses and was a regular visitor to Cheltenham.

I know nothing about football but in the last 12 months I have had the great good fortune to get to know Anton.

Occasionally in our lives we meet people who impress and inspire us, people in whose company it is a joy to be.

Anton O'Toole was one such person. He had that great gift of being interested in you. And that smile of his that could light up a room.

This morning on the radio when his death was announced RTE's Des Cahill referred to Anton as being a lovely man. I know exactly what he meant. Anton O'Toole was a lovely person, who genuinely cared for people. He enjoyed people, he was funny and also, he spoke the truth about himself and others but always in a gentle and kind manner.

My enocunter with Anton was brief but I know I shall never forget him. For me, he has been a shining light.

The late Jean Vanier said: "We must help each other to live more and more clearly and deeply from an inner confidence of being loved by God just as they are."

Anton O'Toole lived and practised just that all his life.

He was a gentle giant on and off the field.