McCarthy, Tom
August 19, 2010Our town and parish lost another one our highly respected persons with the passing to his eternal reward of Tom McCarthy, "The Forge", West Street. Another one of the old stock so to speck gone from our midst but like all great people who go through life he has left us all with fond memories of a life well served.
Growing up in Ireland in Tom's time as a child was tough going indeed. Jobs and money were scarce but as another of Tom's contemporaries Pa Sheehan would have said "We were all in the same boat and we just got on with it".
Tom began work at the age of 15 in Cunningham's Hardware, West Street and was to work with the same family for nigh on 50 years up to his retirement. A mighty length of time indeed and is indicative of the mutual respect between both. He travelled the highways and byways delivering goods to one and all throughout the neighbouring parishes and with his lovely sense of humour when recalling his driving days he would remark "I'm a much travelled man, I drove to Cork and back every Thursday"!
As with many a man of his time in Tallow he had a great love of hurling and was part and parcel of teams of his era. They walked and cycled to many a match in the locality and when the need arose that the distance was greater, then Cunningham's lorry would again come into play to ferry the boys to their destination and back. His playing days over he continued his love for the game and served the club in every way possible. He was chairman, secretary and treasurer on various occasions and that in itself says it all, and when the golden era in the underage success in the 60s rolled into Tallow, under the guidance of the great Eamonn de Paor, Tom was once again totally immersed following the young lads in their efforts. His son Desmond carried on the tradition playing underage and senior for Tallow.
I remember well the bonfires from Tallow bridge up as those boys finally became hurling men with their first senior hurling title in 1980. Gareth Collins lit the fires and once again Tom drove the lorry laden with the hurling heroes up to the square.
As with many a young man or woman back in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Tom's brother Charlie emigrated to the UK and little did any foresee at that stage that sporting history was in the making, as a generation later Charlie's son Mick became internationally known on the soccer field of the world wearing the green shirt of Ireland.
This was a great era for the game in Ireland with Italia '90 probably the highlight. Tallow was awash with bunting and colour and slightly awash with other stuff as well! There was indeed magic in the air, and what prouder man than Tom McCarthy in the middle of it all and rightly so. A sportsman and a gentleman to his fingertips all through his life he certainly enjoyed that World Cup.
At the time of his passing Tom was honourary president of Brideview United Football Club and honourary vice-president of Tallow GAA Club, both honours richly deserved.
As his remains were borne into our Church of the Immaculate Conception, Tom's coffin was draped with the flags of both clubs midst a guard of honour of present and past players. A true and dedicated family man Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife Mary. He was laid to rest beside her, reunited once again.
Out sincere sympathy is extended to his entire family who were so good to him in recent years as he had been to them throughout his life.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.
Courtesy of the Avondhu
19th August 2010 Tweet
