Inside Track: Imelda provided valuable back-up to her husband

Pat Toner is recognised as one the most able County Board secretaries the county has had. For over a decade he carried out his work with efficiency, dealing with the routine, but some times, difficult situations.

But even he would have to admit that had it not been for assistance he got from his wife, Imelda, he’d have found it near impossible to properly carry out his duties.

Imelda, a member of the well-known Sheridan family from Tallanstown, died on Friday last after fighting a long and courageous battle with illness.

Pat conducted most of his County Board business from an office attached to his house in Dundalk’s Manydown Close. He’d be at his busiest around the time of All-Ireland finals and other big matches.

This was because there’d be the usual scramble for tickets, and to deal with all the queries that came to his door would have had him working around the clock.

That’s when Imelda would come into her own. She was as au fait with the situation as her husband, to the point where she’d be the one who’d often be sought out, not Pat.

The Sheridan family has been long associated with Glyde Rangers. Imelda’s four brothers, Gerry, Martin, Enda and the late Aiden all wore the light blue jersey, and had no stronger supporter than their sister.

Some of that, but not all, would have changed with her marriage to Dublin-born Pat. Now there was another team to be followed, Pat’s Dowdallshill.

Many from clubs throughout the county as well as Croke Park and Leinster Council officials were present yesterday at Imelda’s

Requiem Mass in St Fursey’s Church, Haggardstown, and the burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the Toner and Sheridan families.