O'Shea Tim
February 05, 2011Tim O'Shea, co-founder and honorary President of the West London Irish Soceity, born January 11, 1923, died January 22, 2011
Despite living in West London for just over 60 years Tim O'Shea's heart always remained in his native Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry, from a family of nine children he moved to London just before the end of World War II at the age of 22.
Initially he was employed by construction firms such as Wimpey and Taylor Woodrow. Rising to the position of general foreman with Mowlems, Tim worked on the Tilbury Dock expansion. In the 1970's he established a successful haulage business and he and his wife Sheila (nee O Sullivan) became involved in the renovation of houses while also running the much admired Shakespeare House nursing home in Hamwell, West London.
The couple were married in 1951 in Action and were wed for almost 60 years at the time of his passing on January 22. They had two children, a son Michael and daughter Mary.
A great friend of the Irish in Britain, and particularly of his fellow county men, Tim O'Shea was one of the founders of the West London Irish Soceity which was formed in 1953. He served as chairman of the society from 1953 until 1971. After steeping down as chairman the Kerryman took on the role of president. He was also one of the founding members of London's Glenbeigh Association. An active volunteer at his local church in Hanwell he was involved with the Catenians Association and the St. Benedict's club in Ealing.
Sport played a major part in his life, both as a participant and spectator. He was a member at west Middlesex golf club and at docks just miles from where he grew up in Co. Kerry . In 2009 Tim was immensely proud to see his grandson Darran, who was born in London, captain Kerry to victory in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final.
In 2006 Tim and his wife Sheila decided the time was right to return to live in their native and beloved Glenbeigh. Amongst friends and family he readjusted to the slower pace of life in the idyllic mid-Kerry village though he maintained his close links with London. He died peacefully at the age of 88 and will be sadly missed by his wife Sheila, son Michael, daughter Mary, son-in-law Connie and daughter Mary, son-in-law Connie and daughter-in-law Margaret and by his grandsons Darran and Kevin and his granddaughters Jennifer, Rachel, Stephanie and Lorraine.
Courtesy of The Irish Post 5/2/11 Tweet
