Mayo GAA Club leads tribute to legendary club stalwart

There’s a profound sense of sadness in West Mayo as the Islandeady community absorb news of the passing of Tommie Francis Gibbons of Cloggernagh, Islandeady who passed away peacefully at The Mayo Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.

The deceased was well known in the wider Islandeady region and was a hugely popular figure and was known far and wide for his love of family and place.

Tommy Francis’ son Kieran Gibbons is currently the joint-manager of the Islandeady senior team who are in quarter final action on Sunday against Kiltane. Fearghal Hoban, the other joint-manager, is married to Tommy Francis’ daughter.

In a social media statement, Islandeady GAA Club have paid tribute to one of their greatest. “It is with a profound sense of sadness that our club and community learns of the passing of Tommie Francis Gibbons, a deeply respected family man, a dedicated Islandeady GAA stalwart and an exceptional community figure. We have lost one of life’s great gentlemen.

“As a player, Tommie Francis wore the green and white with pride and earned the respect of his teammates and opponents alike. On the sideline, as a coach and manager Tommie Francis brought out the best in his players by instilling deep team spirit, discipline and a lifelong love of football.

“Behind the scenes his dedication to his club extended far beyond the white lines. He served for decades as an officer for Islandeady, putting his heart, energy and talents into developing the club. As a community man he worked quietly behind the scenes to make his parish a better place for everyone.

“Tommie Francis had a wonderful friendly presence, remarkable wit, and his wisdom and warm nature meant he was a friend to all. He has left an indelible mark on the parish and club, and on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a devoted family man, a husband to his beloved Charlotte who passed away in 2019, a Dad, a Grandad, and a Great Grandad. While his loss will be felt across the playing fields and the community of Islandeady, his greatest legacy is his family.”

Predeceased by his loving wife Charlotte, parents James and Elizabeth and brother Vinny. Tommie Francis is deeply regretted by his loving family, Thomas, Anna, Kieran, Teresa, Regina and Martina, sister Margaret Hyland (Straide), grandchildren, great grandchildren, sons in law Michael Graven, PJ Mc Donagh, Michael Kelly, Fearghal Hoban, daughters in law Anita and Vanessa, brother in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Tommie Francis’ remains will repose at St Aidan' s Islandeady (eircode F23 P920) on Saturday evening from 5 until 7pm. Funeral to St Patrick's Church, Islandeady on Sunday at 12:30 for requiem mass at 1pm with funeral afterwards to Islandeady Cemetery. Family flowers only, donations to The Mayo Hospice. House private please.