Tuohy, Tom
December 14, 2006
The late Tom Tuohy
As the voices of the St Patrick's Church Resurrection Choir and the Ballyshannon Choral Group resonated through St Patrick's Church, Ballyshannon, at the concelebrated Requiem Mass for the late Thomas (Tom) Tuohy, 'Croghan', Donegal Road, Ballyshannon a shaft of bright light spilled through bad tempered grey skies. Tom was 'Going Home' in every sense as those tuneful words echoed through the stillness. It was more than apt that a bright warm glow of sunshine would illuminate Tom Tuohy's final moments in a church he enlivened and enriched throughout his life.
Earlier, Chief Celebrant, Fr Cathal O Fearrai, PP, remained mourners of Tom's dedication to his church, his faith, his family and the people of his community. Renowned for his punctuality, he thought it appropriate too that Tom's mortal remains entered St Patrick's a few minutes before the allotted time - "he was always here early for Mass, his missal tucked under his arm," Fr Cathal remarked.
In 1946 he arrived in Ballyshannon, head-hunted to the position as manager of the then P.V. Stephen's Hardware Store, a business which spanned all aspects from house furniture, glass, carpets and much more. Through his business dealings alone he was well known throughout Donegal and in neighbouring Fermanagh, Sligo and Leitrim as Stephen's Hardware continued to flourish.
Indeed 60 years ago on his arrival into Ballyshannon, Tom Tuohy is said to have wondered aloud what he was doing in the Erne town. But the years since that date in 1946 took away the wonder and saw him make contributions on so many levels and to so many groups from and in the town of Ballyshannon, a town all the richer for his presence.
A native of Ballaghdereen, County Roscommon, he was a man who knew his mind, thought it and spoke it when required. He was someone who got things done, made things happen. Throughout his life he proved himself a leader of men, he loved to be involved, he always made a contribution - most notably to the effort to save/renovate De La Salle College at a time when most thought it neither possible nor prudent to invest in maintaining the famous education nursery on the Rock.
There were many other local groups to benefit from his drive and enthusiasm; he was involved in the setting up of the local Credit Union, he played his part in raising much needed funds for the Shiel Hospital laundry and there was sport - a mentor to camogie teams, a mentor and guiding light to many young footballers who wore the De La Salle and Aodh Ruadh colours.
One of his passions was ceili dancing; he was a masterful teacher of Irish dancing, and he acted as MC or Fear a Ti across two provinces. He loved all things Irish, gaelic games in particular, and a huge source of pride was derived from the not inconsiderable achievements of his footballing sons - Brain going on to make history as the captain of the mould-breaking All Ireland under 21 winning team of 1982. Indeed that rich bloodline of raw talent manifesting itself again more recently in one of Tom's ten grandchildren, Paul Thornton, a member of the Ulster minor championship winning 2006 team.
A deeply religious man, he was a daily communicant, and served for many years as a steward at Knock Shrine, holding a particular devotion to Our Lady. There was too another, simpler, but equally important aspect to Tom Tuohy. He was a great neighbour and friend to so many. Whether it was cutting the grass or taking in a bin, making sure all was well with older, and more often than not younger neighbours who were less mobile, he was always willing to help, and did so quietly and without fuss. These too are the things for which he will be remembered and loved.
Fr O Fearrai was joined at the Altar by life-long friend, Fr Sean Delaney, Diocese of Ossory and Fr Dermot Burke, PE for Requiem Mass which saw large numbers of mourners in attendance, many having travelled long distances to be with the family as they mourned a wonderful husband, father and grand-father.
Fr O Fearrai and Fr Delaney officiated at the graveside in Abbey Assaroe, where Fr Delaney, who recited a decade of the Rosary in Irish, told mourners that Tom Tuohy's influence had played a significant part in his decision to opt for the priesthood, having arrived in Ballyshannon as a lay-man.
88 years of age, Tom is survived by his wife Rita, daughters Fionnuala, Grainne and sons Niall, Brian and Paul, sons-in-law Anne and Orla, 10 grand-children, nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends, to whom sincere sympathy is extended. May he rest in peace.
*A neighbour's child.
Courtesy of The Donegal Democrat
14 December 2006
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