Anton O’Toole – Finscéal de Shaol GAA (A Legend of GAA Life)

A new documentary covering the life of Dublin GAA legend Anton O'Toole aired on TG4 over Christmas. 

"Anton O’Toole – Finscéal de Shaol GAA" told the story of "The Blue Panther"- an icon of Dublin GAA and a superstar who helped inspire the county to unprecedented success during the era of Heffo's Army. 

You can watch the documentary back now on the TG4 Player by clicking here. 

The Templeogue Synge St man won four All-Ireland Senior Football medals during a dizzying spell for Dublin across the 1970s and 1980s, a period when GAA was revolutionised in the capital. 

He sadly passed away in 2019 after an illness. 

This new one-hour documentary- "Anton O’Toole – Finscéal de Shaol GAA(A Legend of GAA Life)", is filled with nostalgia, rare archive footage and legendary songs, as it tells the story of The Blue Panther from a small in stature schoolboy’s career at Synge Street CBS to a giant of Croke Park. 

The programme gives insight into how GAA/sport relates to society in general, including diversity and inclusion and discusses retirement from sport. 

Contributors

Áine Hensey, Historian, Supporter, 'The Blue Panther' was her hero

Mary Black, A friend of O'Toole's, sang 'On Raglan Road' alongside her friend's former team-mates at the end of Anton's funeral

Niall Quinn, Former Soccer International, 'The Blue Panther’ was his childhood hero

Alan Larkin, Dublin, former team-mate and friend

Brian Mullins, Dublin, former team-mate & friend. 

David Hickey, Dublin, former team-mate and friend

Tony Hanahoe, Dublin, former team-mate, manager and friend

Ciarán Kilkenny, Dublin footballer, 'The Blue Panther' was an Inspiration.

Denis Bastick, Former Dublin footballer, O'Toole was his mentor at Templeogue Synge Street.

Eoghan O'Gara, Former Dublin footballer, Anton was a huge influence in his career at Templeogue Synge Street.

Jim Gavin, Former Dublin footballer and manager, Anton was his sporting hero. 

Ger Power, Kerry, chief opponent

Colm O'Rourke, Meath opponent

Mickey Moran, Derry opponent. He named his son after Anton.

Michéal Ó Muircheartaigh, legendary commentator.

Roy Curtis, Journalist and friend.

Cian Murphy, Communications Manager Croke Park.