'His echoes will live forever' - Tribute for Mayo man by his local handball club

THERE was no mistaking the popularity of Mayo man Tommy Prendergast from Mountpleasant, Ballyglass. The long tailbacks as traffic came to a halt on the roads leading to Carnacon for the reposing ceremony spoke volumes for the regard in which he was held over such a wide area.

The news of Tommy’s sudden passing spread like wildfire throughout the region. He was one of a kind who could make himself at home in any company and there was never any shortage of laughter when Tommy joined the conversation.

He spent many years with the P&T that later became Telecom Éireann where he made life-long friends and enjoyed great times while working among the various communities.

There was a real family bond among the P&T brigade in those times before summers merged into winters and the gentle role of the years embellished golden memories with the passing of time.

Tommy (pictured) was involved with so many aspects of life in the area. He was synonymous with Carnacon Handball Club and had a great fondness for the game at which he excelled in former times.

In a tribute, the club said: “Your echoes in the alley will live forever in the hearts of all you coached and played alongside, it was a privilege. Keep serving them ‘aces’. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

He was a regular at Ballintubber and Mayo matches down the years where his company was cherished by so many people.

He was a fine ambassador for club and county and loved those special times.

Tommy had an abiding fondness for country music and he and Nuala attended numerous dances and social events around the region and further afield all down the years.

Like so many of their generation, Big Tom and The Mainliners were always to the fore and they were regulars at the dances when the Monaghan man came west.

He had a great ear for good country music and was well versed on both the Irish and American scene. He was also known to play a rake of tunes on the harmonica.

He was a good friend of Joe Skehill from up Abbeyknockmoy way who presented popular American country shows on Midwest Radio in the early days who has a superb collection of traditional country albums.

“Tommy will be very much missed for his great company. We so enjoyed his visits. He was a true gentleman,” said Joe and Mary Skehill.

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Tommy over the last few weeks.

His neighbours in Mountpleasant, the McDonnell family, said: “Tommy was a wonderful neighbour and a true friend to our family. Larger than life, with a glint in his eye and a great sense of fun, he brought warmth and spirit wherever he went. A hard worker and a dedicated community man, he was hardy by nature but always a kind and generous soul.”

P J Gibbons, Annies, Hollymount, said the shock of Tommy’s sudden passing was felt in a special way around the area. “Better known to us as Tom P or T Prender, it was two weeks ago we had a picture taken at the Ballintubber v Mayo Gaels GAA match in Mayo Abbey.

As Louis Walsh the photographer said ‘the gang of trouble makers!’ The craic was good and it is hard to take in that two weeks later we will be at his funeral Mass. He was a gentleman and always had a bit of devilment in him.”

Michael and Nora Conroy, Ballyglass, recalled great memories of times together. “He was always a joy to meet. He played a huge part in our community in Ballyglass as a bus driver, handyman and village enhancement worker.

He will be sadly missed by neighbours, friends and all who knew him and not forgetting his great talent as a harmonica player.”

Carnacon came to a virtual standstill as people filed past the coffin for a few hours on Friday evening. Another capacity congregation was present for Mass in St Mary’s Church, Carnacon, with burial afterwards in Drum Cemetery.

Tommy will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his wife Nuala (Jordan), their daughter Ashling and son Kenneth, grandchildren Kaden, Keefe and Kalem, brother Gay and sister Sally, daughter-in- law Breda and Ashling’s partner Stewart, sisters-in-law, brothers-in- law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

‘A country song is like a rose when in the wilderness it grows
Among the wildwood flowers born most every day
But a rose by any other name will keep its fragrance just the same
Whatever they may brand it, country music’s here to stay.’

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