Newport
Reposing at his home from 3pm to 7pm on Sunday afternoon, his remains were received at St Patrick’s Parish Church, Newport, by Fr Declan Carroll, CC.
Mass for the happy repose of Tom’s soul was con-celebrated on Monday, August 4, at 11am in the parish church, which was packed to capacity. Fr Declan,, the chief celebrant, was assisted by Fr Billy Sheridan, Newport (SMA, Nigeria); Fr David Loftus, Newport (Los Angeles); Fr Jim Walsh, PP Kilmeena; Fr Martin Costello, Ballinrobe (SMA); Fr Norman Fitzgerald, Ballinrobe (Dublin); Fr Pat O’Toole (Holy Ghost Father, Kenya, and classmate of Tom); and Fr Tommy Keogan (uncle of Tom’s son-in-law Barry).
During the celebration of Mass, the Newport Folk Choir, which was founded by Tom, sang many of Tom’s favourite hymns with many of the past members joining in. The First Reading was read by Celia, Tom’s daughter; the Responsorial Psalm was read by Tony Burns, a close friend and neighbour; and the Second Reading was read by his son-in-law, Colm Nevin. Prayers of the Faithful were read by John Tighe (garda colleague), Brendan Cullen (friend), Alan Rochford (nephew), Enya Nevin (granddaughter), Glen Nevin (grandson), Barry Keogan (son-in-law), Jenny (Tom’s daughter) and Fergus Rothwell (son-in-law). The Offertory Gifts of bread and wine and Tom’s garda hat were brought to the altar by his daughters, Maura and Jenny, and granddaughter, Lana, while Siobhan Moran-Melvin, a past member of the folk choir, sang an unaccompanied and very moving ‘Ag Criost an Síol’.
In his homily, Fr Declan thanked God for Tom’s full life and his great love of people and life itself: “His zest for life meant living and enjoying it, along with caring for family and friends and giving time to people who could be deemed the vulnerable of today’s society – those who lived alone, those with special needs of one kind or another. He helped the weak to make them feel strong and to realize for themselves that each one has a purpose and reason for living, and that everyone is always loved by someone. The last line of today’s gospel tells us ‘if anyone serves me, my Father will honour him.
“Tom certainly served his Father and creator through his active participation in all the many gifts God gave him; his love for family, his love of his vocation as a member of An Garda Síochána, his love of sport and of music and gardening, his love of people and lastly but not least, his love of his faith.”
At the end of Mass, Paula, Tom’s eldest daughter, spoke about her Dad, describing the wonderful father, grandfather and friend he was, leaving them with many lovely memories, and in particular his wonderful attitude to life. She said: “Dad felt that not knowing something should not be seen as an obstacle, but instead as a hurdle to be overcome. Dad’s priority was always his family. He had a light-hearted approach to life; he lived life with a twinkle in his eye and showed us how life should be lived – Don’t put off ’til tomorrow what you can do today. Be true to yourself, have no regrets.” Paula thanked all their wonderful neighbours and friends, doctors, nurses and all who had cared for her Dad and supported them through these difficult times. She thanked everyone who called to the house and who attended the funeral on both days.
Following the final prayers, the funeral proceeded to Burrishoole, where Tom was laid to rest alongside his son, Thomas.
Tom joined An Garda Síochána in 1960, having taught in Achill for some time previously, and was stationed in Athenry, Crossmolina, Drogheda, Dublin Castle and various stations in Dublin before moving to Newport, where he was the local sergeant until his retirement in 1991.
Tom continued to work as a school bus driver, taxi driver, and a door-to-door fruit and vegetable man. He had a great love of music, and he set up the Newport Folk Choir in 1979. He also formed and was a member of the Clew Bay Drifters band, wrote many songs (including one in memory of Princess Grace of Monaco), staged many concerts for charity and in 1979, he played a leading role in the Newport Pantomime, Cinderella.
Another of Tom’s great loves was the GAA, he himself having been on the county minor team that won a Connacht title in 1958 and went on to play in the All-Ireland final, where they were unfortunately defeated by Dublin. While at school in Ballinrobe, he was a member of the team that won the Flanagan Cup, and in later years he was especially proud of the fact that his son, Thomas, while a student in Rice College, also played on the team that won the Flanagan Cup. Tom also won senior medals with Ballinrobe and Crossmolina.
Tom enjoyed many pastimes, particularly gardening and a game of golf, and he was captain of Mulranny Golf Club some years ago. Never idle, last year Tom studied and obtained his ‘skipper’s licence’, and he was hoping to complete an ECDL computer course.
Tom who was predeceased by his only son Thomas 13 years ago, is survived by his wife, Celine; daughters, Paula, Maura, Celia and Jenny; brother, John; grandchildren, Enya, Glyn, Lana and Sína; sons-in-law, Colm Nevin, Barry Keogan and Fergus Rothwell; nieces, nephews, cousins; and many relatives, neighbours and friends.
His friendly smile, his witty words and his helping hand will be missed by all who knew him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
