Kilmeena
The death took place of Tommy Casey of Kilmeena, Westport on July 22. He was 74 years of age.
He was born December 13, 1941, the third son of Michael and Julia Casey. Tommy went to St Brendan’s National School in Myna. Early jobs included working on a farm in Headford, Galway and then as a messenger boy in McGreevey’s of Westport.
Eventually he went to Scotland with his father to work on the farms and later got a job with his brother John in the Glenchenchie Distillery as a gardener and general handyman. He quickly became indispensable and whenever anything needed doing someone was sure to send for Tommy. He was such a generous and capable man that this became a theme throughout his life.
In 1967 Tommy’s father, Michael, died, and so Tommy came home to look after his mother and the smallholding. He got a job in the textile factory in Westport and, with his mother, made the house a very welcoming place for family and friends to visit from far and near. When we came home, the roast lamb would be sizzling in his trusty old stove, with his home grown potatoes and vegetables in a favourite old pan. Outside would be parked his beloved car that he would never get rid of. It served him well.
Tommy was a Connacht champion boxer and played for Kilmeena GAA in his youth. He maintained strong links with the club throughout his life. He was a proud Mayo supporter and he and his brother, Mick, always discussed the match at weekends. The Mayo flag is still flying proudly at his gate.
Tommy was an active member of the community and was a founding member of the Kilmeena Group Water Scheme; regularly giving his time to install and maintain the network of pipes to ensure the community had a reliable water supply. Tommy worked for many years to restore and maintain the local graveyards and his hard work and skill is visible throughout. Tommy’s work on the restoration of the Statue of Calvary in the old graveyard was typical of him and the importance he placed on his faith and on his community.
Tommy was always there for any of his family or his many friends. He was a kind and thoughtful man and always remembered the children at special events, birthdays and Christmas.
Tommy has now gone to rest with his father, Michael; his mother, Julia; his brothers Jim and John, and his sister, Mary.
He will be fondly remembered by his brothers, Pat, Mick and Liam, his sisters Bridie and Margaret, his extended family and his many, many friends among the people of Kilmeena. The world is a far better place because he was in it and he will be sorely missed.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
