Man who had close connection with South Mayo GAA club passes away in Dublin

Tom Beirne, Coolock Village, Dublin and formerly of Killimor, Co Galway, who died in the Mater Private Hospital recently following a short illness, was a brother of Kevin Beirne, Claremorris, and a retired member of An Garda Siochána. He was also an uncle of Darragh Beirne, the young 19 year old who is now a member of the Mayo senior football panel.

Tom Jnr (pictured) spent his formative years in Killimor, Co Galway, where his father Tom, a native of Roscommon, was stationed as a Garda before his transfer to Claremorris. That was in the early 1980s and young Kevin had already won an U-14 Galway club hurling medal with Killimor. Three years later, Kevin won an All Ireland minor football medal with Mayo when they defeated Cork by 3-3 to 0-9. Tom (Jnr) spent all his life as a member of An Garda Siochána in the Dublin region.

George Langan, a native of Co Limerick, who has resided in Dublin for many years and is a retired Garda and also a radio presenter and recording artist, was among those leading the tributes to his colleague: “Tom, your memory is cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing you, especially those of us who shared unforgettable weekends in the picturesque region of Killimor, County Galway. “Those days spent together from 1973 onward are etched in my heart, filled with laughter and friendship. I can vividly imagine you now, surrounded by the Killimor lads, reminiscing about all those good old days.

The bonds we formed during the years in the flats we shared on the south side were as strong as the stones of the Galway walls. “Know that Tom’s spirit lives on in the hearts of many, and he will be remembered with great affection. Tom, you have left a legacy of friendship, warmth, and joy that will never be forgotten. Your memory will continue to inspire and bring smiles to those who knew you.”

Reposing was at Jennings Funeral Home, Coolock, with removal to the Church of St Brendan’s, Coolock Village for the funeral Mass, followed by burial in Balgriffin Cemetery. Tom, who was predeceased by his parents Tom and Maura (a native of Tourmakeady) and his brother Liam (2017), will be greatly missed by his wife Kathy Moore, his sons Simon and Jonathan and their mother Bernadette, and step-son Robert and step-daughter Elaine, daughters-in-law Emer and Aisling, step daughter-in-law Claire, grandchildren, Teddy, Saoirse, Alex, Laragh, Aoibhinn and Caoimhe, his brothers Sean and Kevin, aunt Kathleen Gibbons (Tourmakeady) brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, large circle of friends and neighbours.