Former Mayo colleague pays heartfelt tribute to the late Tommie Gorman

I was so shocked and saddened to learn yesterday of the sudden passing of Tommie Gorman from Sligo, a giant of the print and broadcasting scenes.

Old loyalties are best. When I heard that Tommie was launching his book, 'Never Better', at the Wild Atlantic Words Festival in the Festival Dome at the Bridge Street Bar in Castlebar, in October 2022, I had to take time out to lend support to one truly noble Sligo man.

Our paths first crossed in our days with the Western Journal newspaper which was based in Ballina. It had a short life from 1977 to March 1983 but it had a huge impact on the provincial newspaper scene as it heralded major changes and pioneering technology in those times.

Among his great loves in life were his beloved Sligo Rovers and his enduring fondness for folk music. I also recall his passion for the Ballysadare Folk Festival and Lisdoonvarna and other events that brought contentment to Tommie outside the world of news and politics.

Towards the end of 1980, he left the Western Journal to take up a new assignment with RTÉ in Dublin. This was his ‘work home’ for the next four decades until he retired last year in 2021. Along with Jim Fahy from Galway, he was the most recognisable west of Ireland person on RTÉ.

He served as the North West correspondent for RTÉ for many years before taking up the post of European correspondent for a decade and then becoming the long serving Northern Ireland correspondent with the station.

It was always lovely to meet Tommie over the years and enjoy the regular banter that invariably brought us back to those few years in Ballina.

Cllr Declan Bree, Mayor of Sligo, in a special tribute to Tommie, for the people of Sligo and so many of us when he said: “Tommie's passing represents a significant loss to the world of journalism and the community of Sligo. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to inspire and guide future generations of journalists. His dedication to his craft, his tireless work ethic, and his genuine care for the people he served will forever be remembered.

“Tommie Gorman's memory will be cherished for his professionalism, integrity, and dedication to telling the stories that mattered most. His contributions to journalism and his passionate love for his hometown of Sligo will be remembered for years to come.

“On behalf of the people of Sligo and on behalf of Sligo County Council, I extend our deepest condolences to Tommie's wife Ceara Roche and their two children Moya and Joe, to his sister Mary, his brother Michael, and to his extended family.”

Tommie was truly one of the good ones with his heart and values firmly anchored in the west of Ireland. It was our privilege to have known you and to call you a friend.

Tommie was predeceased by his parents and sister Paula. He was a cherished husband of Ceara Roche and father of Moya and Joe. He will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his wife, daughter, son, sister Mary, brother Michael, wider family, former colleagues, neighbours and many friends.

Reposing at Seán Feehily’s Funeral Home, Cartron Cross, Sligo (F91EH98) on Friday, June 28, from 4pm until 7pm. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Ransboro, Co. Sligo on Saturday, June 29th, at 2pm, burial will follow in Kilmacowen Cemetery, Sligo. 

Family flowers only, donations in lieu, if desired, to the Sligo Rovers Development Fund c/o Seán Feehily’s Funeral Home, Cartron Cross, Sligo via www.feehilys.ie/pay.