The late Tom Stapleton The community of Garryhill was very saddened by the death of Tom Stapleton of Knocklonogad. Tom died peacefully at his home on Saturday, November 23, 2006 in the care of his wife Eileen, daughter Yvonne and son David. Tom had been ill for over a year. Tom was born in Knocklonogad in 1947, went to school locally and spent his early working life in England. He returned to Ireland in 1975, and, with his brother, Eamonn, started a construction business, E&T Stapleton Builders. Together they built hundreds of homes all over Carlow and Kilkenny. Tom met his wife Eileen, from Cashel, in London. They married in 1976 and settled in Garryhill. Apart from his family and business, Tom had many interests. He loved the countryside, nature, hillwalking and travelling. Tom also had a great interest in all sports. He was an active member of Garryhill Handball Club for years, winning five All-Ireland titles and a number of county titles. Tom was also a very keen golfer and was a member of Mount Wolseley Golf Club, playing every week until he became ill. He loved all sports and was very proud of the fact that he learned to ski at 55 years of age. In 1993 Tom and his wife Eileen built and opened Beechwood Nursing Home in Leighlinbridge and, together with a great team of caring staff, have been successfully running it ever since. Tom's remains were removed from his home for Funeral Mass in Drumphea Church on September 26, 2006. The Mass was celebrated by Fr Brendan Howard, Fr Phil O'Shea and Fr Tom Lawlor. A huge crowd attended and there was a guard of honour formed by the Garryhill Handball Club and the Mount Wolseley Ladies' and Men's Golf Club. Afterwards the funeral cortege travelled to Mount Jerome for cremation and Tom's ashes were later interred in Drumphea Cemetery. Tom is deeply mourned by his heartbroken wife Eileen, daughter Yvonne and son David. Also his brothers Jim, John, Michael and Eamonn, his sister Mary-Ellen, his sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, extended family, neighbours and friends. Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist 17/11/2006 Tweet

Most Read Stories