The death took place recently of Tommie Mee at his home on the Kildysart Road , Ennis. A retired member of An Garda Siochana, he spent all his career in the Clare Garda District. A native of Glenamaddy, County Galway, Tommie was one of the most popular and best known members of the force in Clare. He was held in high esteem by many friends and by his colleagues in An Garda Siochana. A member of the Third Order of Saint Francis, he was also widely regarded in the Gardai and in his private life. Of quiet disposition, he was also an all-round sports enthusiast and played Gaelic football for his native Galway and for Miltown Malbay when he was stationed there. He joined the Gardai in 1961 and his first posting was to Miltown Malbay. Afterwards, he was attached to the garda stations in Ennistymon, Kilfemora and Ennis. He was promoted to the rank of detective garda and spent the last 20 years of his service with the immigration office in Shannon. He retired in December 1996. An acclaimed footballer Tommie played with the Galway juniors in 1960 and 1961and he also figured in two county senior championship finals with Miltown Malbay in the early 1960's. They were beaten by Kilrush in the 1963 final and by Cooraclare in the 1965 final. He also inspired the Miltown Malbay team to win the Cusack Cup in 1963. He played senior inter county football for Clare and was a member of the team which was beaten 2-10 to 1-6 in the Munster semi-final by a Kerry team, which included the likes of John Cullotty in goal, Denis O'Sullivan, the great Mick O'Connell, JJ Barrett, Vinny Lucey and Mick O Dwyer. Despite being on the losing side, Tommie gave another first rate performance, one which earned him the man-of-the-match award in the Irish Press newspaper. Regarded as one of the finest footballers ever to come from Glenamaddy, Tommie first came to the notice of Galway County Board when he was picked for the North Board team to play the West Board in a final trial in Tuam stadium. He was also the star player on the Glanamaddy team, which won a New-Bridge seven-a-side tournament. He was a tower of strength on the Garda All-Ireland team in the mid 1960's. He returned to play junior football for Glenamaddy for two years in 1971 and 1972 and he enjoyed every minute of it. He was a keen golfer and a popular member of Ennis Golf Club. He had the honour of representing the club in various competitions. Tommie died at home on June 20th after an illness bravely borne. Reposing at his home on June 22, his remains were brought to Ennis cathedral on Monday, June 23. Chief celebrant of the mass was Fr Brady, PP Clarecastle, who paid tribute to Tommie and referred to his many fine qualities. Among the concelebrants of the mass were Fr John Molloy, Ennis and Canon Patrick Taaffe, Ennis. A guard of honour was formed by retired colleagues of Tommie. Also present were chief Superintendent Gerry Mahon and Inspector Tom Kennedy, representing Superintendent John Scanlon, Ennis. The burial took place at Drumcliffe cemetery. Chief mourners were his wife Madge, daughters, Aileen and Roisin, brothers Jerry and Michael, sisters Mary and Bridie, grandson, Ben, son-in-law, Chris, mother-in-law, Bridget Kavanagh, nephews, nieces, relative and many friends. Tommie was also brother of the late John and William. As a mark of respect, a minute's silence was observed prior to the Cusack Cup football game between Miltown Malbay and Doonbeg in KIlmihil on June 21. Clare Champion 04/07/08 Tweet

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