Tom Carney
Shanvaghera, Knock
Tom Carney, Shanvaghera, Knock
TOM Carney, Shanvaghera, Knock, who died in recent weeks, was a man who had an instinctive love for life in the country. He was greatly regarded among the farming fraternity and his advice was often sought and always cherished by those who took it on board.
The second youngest of a family of eight, Tom (or Tom Andy as he was affectionately known to many in the locality) was the last surviving member of his generation of the Carney family.
He grew up in the rural ethos of the west of Ireland, and the values passed on were to play a major role in shaping his life. Times were not easy on the land back then. Like to many more young people of his generation, Tom crossed the Irish Sea where he spent ten years in England. He undertook variety of work, ranging from the mines in Lancashire to pipe-laying in London.
It was while in London that he met Loretta Hughes from Co Longford. Romance blossomed quickly and they were married in Longford 52 years ago.
They raised a fine family of seven, four sons and three daughters, all of whom have gone on to carve out their own distinguished niches in life.
Back home in his native parish, Tom and Loretta quickly settled back into the way of life that they had known before leaving for England. Tom found contentment and joy in the peace and quiet of the countryside. And over the years he developed a huge knowledge of the land and the livestock scene.
Tom was blessed with a great flow of talk. When in flight, he was the best of good company and could polish off many a conversation with the finest of wit. As a storyteller, he was up there with the very best. He had a natural way about him that enabled him to establish a firm rapport with people wherever he went.
One thing he believed in was spending time with friends. He would have firmly endorsed the old saying “What is this life if full of care, we don’t have time to stand and stare.”
Matters of a sporting nature interested him and he would follow the summer GAA championships on radio and television. The Sunday Game provided him with relaxation on many occasions.
He loved crosswords and quiz shows and had a great passion for them. The popular Ireland’s Own magazine remained a firm favourite with Tom and the Carney household all through the years.
Current affairs and political discussion intrigued him at times. He was very much his own man.
Throughout the time he had been in declining health, he found great reassurance, strength and comfort in the personal care and kindness shown to him by Dr Seamus and Ann Kennedy and Fr Richard Gibbons. Tom was devoted to his family and they will miss him greatly. He was part of life in this part of Knock parish for so many years. May his gentle soul rest in pace.
Removal took place from the family home to Knock Church with burial in the local cemetery following Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Richard Gibbons and assisted by Fr Kieran Heneghan and Fr Freyne. Fr Richard captured some of the quintessential qualities of Tom in his inspiring and consoling homily.
He is survived by his wife, Loretta; sons, Thomas, Joseph, Enda and John; daughters, Olive, Loretta and Carmel; son-in-law, Colin; grandson, Henry Thomas; relatives, neighbours and friends.