Thomas D Durcan

As has already been reported in The Mayo News the death has taken place of Thomas D Durcan after a long illness at his home in Altamont Street, Westport. Tom or ‘Beau’ as he was often affectionately known is survived by his beloved wife Jill (nee Williams), four children Jackie, Pat, Ted and Brian and beloved grandchildren Maude, Oscar, Beau, Florence and Jude, daughter-in-law Sue and son-in-law Noel Rowland.
Born on November 24, 1939, he passed away on February 3, 2014, after a prolonged illness fought with great courage and good humour.
Tom qualified as a solicitor in 1965, in that year founding the Westport branch of Patrick J Durcan Solicitors. Opening an office In Westport he later practiced in Castlebar where to his immense pride his daughter Jacqueline joined him as a solicitor for a number of years.
Tom had a wonderful skill as a lawyer aligned with a great wit and wisdom. Tom in his professional life as a solicitor was always compassionate and always put the needs of his clients first
While he was a young solicitor he met his beloved wife Jacqueline Mary (Jill) Williams and there followed 47 years of love and marriage, Tom’s wife Jill showed amazing courage and strength along with their family in caring for Tom following his illness as he wished to remain at home.
As a young man Tom was a keen deep sea fishing angler and had a real love of Clew Bay and its iIslands. In the 1960s and 1970s he was involved in raising monies to construct the Angling Centre and in initiatives to develop Westport Quays and promote health and safety along the quays.
Tom had a life-long love of his native Westport and as his civic duty worked hard to create the Westport we recognise today. He served two terms as a Fine Gael councillor on the Westport UDC. On both occasions as testament to his popularity and integrity he topped the poll for Fine Gael and in 1967 the first time he was elected was the first time Fine Gael won four seats.
His love of politics stayed with him his whole life and even later in life during his illness he in his unassuming manner using his guile and contacts to right wrongs and injustices he perceived. He regularly until his death contributed letters to the local papers on many issues.
Tom’s other love was horses and he was a founding member of the Westport Horse Show Society which was once one of Ireland’s top shows when held on the lawn of Westport House. Tom also served as Chairman of that society.
Tom’s second son Ted inheritated his love of horses and quite remarkably for a young lad from the west of Ireland became a professional and Classic winning jockey.
Many who knew Tom would have seen him crossing the Castlebar Mall dressed smartly to proudly watch his son Ted ride a winner on TV in the Imperial Hotel
Tom was also part of a committee headed by Liam Walsh to have the statute on the Octagon replaced. And it remains as a fitting tribute to the iconic mountain Croagh Patrick which overlooks Westport.
Tom was very sociable and loved travelling. Most trips involved a race meeting and he and Jill who also shared his love of horses and racing were regulars at Cheltenham. The Arc de Triomphe, the Dubai world Cup and all the local meetings.
For many years he was a committee member of Balinrobe races and did much work and fundraising for the society in the development of the course.
Tom or ‘Beau’ was regarded by all who knew him as a true gentleman in every sense of the word. His good nature and loyalty to his family and great sense of humour and memorable witty one liners and sound advice will be missed by his many friends colleagues, clients and family
The large attendances at his funeral ceremonies were a testament to the esteem he was held in. Tom will be especially missed by his family his beloved wife Jill, children Jackie, Pat, Ted and Brian and grandchildren. The concelebrants of his funeral Mass were Fr Charlie McDonnell and Fr Antony King and Fr Karl Burns, Fr McDonnell officiated at the graveside in Aughavale Cemetery.
May his noble and happy soul have spiritual and peaceful rest.