The late Thomas Griffin will be remembered as a great family man, who took pleasure in his farm and many sports but particularly greyhound racing. The large crowd who turned out to pay their respects to the Griffin Family earlier this month, was testament to the high esteem in which Thomas was regarded, both locally and further afield. "He was a man of many talents, a great farmer and a keen sportsman," said his son, Brendan, at the Requiem Mass in Loughrea Cathedral on October 4. "Among his many loves in life was his garden, where he was virtually self-sufficient., and his farm, where he cared for his animals and his crops. His hobbies, which were numerous, included greyhounds, both track and coursing, card playing - which did not end with the game of 25, but after 25 post mortems. "He had a love of music, dancing and the odd tipple! His sayings over the years have ben repeated so many times - 'knock off the television and listen to me', 'I know I'm right, but I could be wrong' and the one we, his children, will always remember is 'whatever time we have, we will have in the evening', but evening often faded into night." His support of the GAA began early also, having played hurling himself for Leitrim parish. He took a keen interest in other sports though, but had a special passion for greyhounds. Thomas owned and raced the dogs for many years, and was a regular visitor to the city track up until last year. He also supported and attended the loughrea coursing meetings annually. "With his late brothers, John and Pat, they put many winners through their hands and for many years they made the weekly trip to the Galway track on The Friday night and then the obligatory stop in Glynn's pub in Oranmore for a few drinks on the way home," recalled Jack Mahony, chairman of Loughrea Coursing Club. "Thomas also often made the journey to Mullingar track, and there was no better man to keep one on reserve for a while and when the time was right many the bookies satchel was that bit lighter on their way home. "He raced his greyhounds mainly under the masonbrook prefix and for many years was a member of Loughrea Coursing Club, who hold their meetings adjacent to his home and farm. He liked nothing better than to meet with his old friends and acquaintances at Masonbrook Meadows in mid - October for the coursing meeting and during the interval there were many a story recounted over a few bottles of stout in the bar." At the funeral Mass, Brendan recalled that in his youth, Thomas was known to cycle from home to Croagh Patrick, climb the reek, and cycle back again. "There was no limit to his energy, his confidence, his bravado or his love," Brendan said. He described his father as an exceptional husband to one special lady, Sadie, a brilliant father to their 11 children, and a grandad that will never be forgotten by his 24 grandchildren. "His home - our home - in Masonbrook was financed through the cutting of timber, the sewing of potatoes, the snaring and sale of rabbits - whatever it took, he was prepared to do it. "He was a strong individual, a man that was never fazed by human, beast or obstacle. Put a mountain infront of him and he would move it. "He may not have been the most diplomatic, but if you ever crossed paths with him, you knew exactly where you stood. He was honest, down to the word." Thomas died, aged 92, on Monday, October 1. His remains were reposed at home the following day, and were removed to St. Brendan's Cathedral, Loughrea, on the Wednesday evening. Fr. Cathal Geraghty, Fr. Michael Finneran and Fr. Kieran O'Rourke concelebrated Requiem Mass the next day at 12pm. The local senior choir, accompanied by Roisin Larkin on the fiddle, provided the music, while his granddaughters, Aisling and Lisa, read his favourite poems. "We have lost not only a husband, a father and a grandfather, but a legend. A man of honesty, integrity, love and open-mindedness." Brendan said in his moving tribute. Following the Mass, Thomas's remains were laid to rest in nearly Mount Pleasant Cemetery. At the graveside, Joe Casserly, who accompanied by Padraig Curley on guitar, sang 'The Old man'. Thomas Griffin is survived by his wife, Cecilia (sadie); sons Tom, John, Pat, Joseph, Michael, Martin, Brendan and Francis; daughters Mary Reynolds, Catherina Tully and Martha Molloy; sister Katty Shiel; grandchildren, other close family and many friends. I never will forget him For he made me what I am Though he may be gone Memories linger on And I miss him, the old man. The Old Man by Phil Coulter. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune. 26 October, 2007. Tweet

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