Turner, Tom
July 12, 2013
AN APPRECIATION: TOM TURNER
The morning of Tuesday, June 4 brought great sadness to the area when we learned of the passing of Tom Turner. A true Mountshannon man, he lived his entire life amongst its people, where he was held in high esteem and is remembered with fondness.
Indeed, the large number of people that attended his reposing and funeral bore testimony to his standing.
Growing up on the family farm in Coolderra, he acquired many of the traits that would define his character and personality. As an only son, his farming career would have been chosen for him, a career that Tom would fulfil with great distinction throughout his life.
Tom's farming style centred around respect - respect for the land, environment and, above all, the animals. Whether it was in the bog or meadow, Tom Turner excelled. His vegetable garden was a joy to behold. Generous beyond words, Tom would quietly leave a box of garden produce on the passenger seat of your car should you happen to visit. Praise the garden to him and all he would say is 'it could be better'.
As a conversationalist he could hold his own in any company. Young or old, rich or poor, male or female, it didn't matter, Tom loved the "chat".
His passion for a game of cards was legendary. He was a top-class 45 player and was in his element where there was a six or a nine and a deck. Better again if it was a house game.
As a player he was skilful and fair - a style that was greatly admired.
He knew his sport, followed most but was really passionate about Gaelic football and hurling. Informative wouldn't describe his knowledge - he was encyclopaedic.
As a hurler himself, he was very much part of Whitegate's golden years from 1958-1961. During his younger years, like many of the Mountshannon lads of his era, he would have learned and practised his hurling in Cleary's Field, Mountshannon's own Croke Park.
Tom was part of the Whitegate senior team that enjoyed a most successful period - two Clare Champion Cups, an intermediate championship, O'Doherty Cup, McKaigney
Cup, gold watches and finally in 1961 the senior championship. The 1961 final against Newmarket was a tense affair, four points the final margin. Tom Turner's two goals from the full-forward line were crucial and when Percy Solan had to go off injured, Tom reverted to the full-back hue for the rest of the game - talk about versatility.
Rarely, if ever, would he talk about his contribution in that final and if asked about his two goals, he would pass it off by praising the great players that he played with. However, Tom, was a bit more forthcoming about his time in inter-firm competition. The local sawmill (McMahon's) had entered a team in inter-firm hurling. Tom would have been regarded as a kind of All-Star because of the '61 final, so he was signed up to boost the forward division of the sawmill team.
The draw paired them against one of the Roscrea meat factories. Kieran Carey of the notorious Doyle, Maher, Carey, Tipperary fullback line was their number 3. Tom Turner was to be the full-forward.
When asked how he would handle Carey, Tom replied "I'll take him to the 40" and dazzle him with speed going in'. Tom Turner and speed would never be in the one sentence. Records are unavailable for the result of this match.
The inscription on the Turner family coat of arms reads ESSE QUAM VIDERNI (to be rather than to seem) very aptly fits the man that was Tom Turner.
Tom was loyal to his friends, his parish, his county but above all he adored his family. He will be a tremendous loss to all of us that knew him but most especially to Mairead and family. There is no doubt that when we meet up again, the handshake will be firm and the greeting will be - "Come on in and we'll have a chat".
The bed of Heaven to you, Tom and may you be safe in the arms of Jesus.
Courtesy of the Clare Champion.
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