Monday the 16th of January saw the passing of Father Tom Pierse to his eternal reward. His departure of this life was peaceful and serene having endured two years of illness. His acceptance of God's path for him, with his usual good grace and humility, will inspire all who knew him.

Tom entered this life in 1927 as one of eight children to Dan and Mary Pierse of Ballinorig House, Tralee. His early years were spent working on the family farm and attending school in Tralee. After attending St Brendan's Seminary in Killarney, he was accepted into Maynooth where he was ordained in 1953.

As a young priest he spent a year in Salford in the UK before being appointed assistant in Ballybunion parish in October 1954. He then returned to Maynooth for further study and gained a H.Dip in Education in 1955. In 1956 he returned as professor to St Brendan's where he taught for the next twenty-two years.

The subject closest to his heart was English. Students of the Sem would also be aware of his love for Gaelic football and he loved nothing more than imparting advice to the young sportsmen there. He certainly left a lasting impression on several young men who would go on to represent their county with great success. His favourite piece of advice was, "Imagine somebody standing on the crossbar; just pass the ball to him and then you will score points."

In 1978 he returned once again to parish work when appointed as curate in Cullen, Co Cork. In 1984, he was made parish priest of Eyries in west Cork. He remained there for nine years before taking up duty as parish priest of Ballyheigue in 1993 at the age of sixty-six. He spent fourteen years there until finally retiring in 2007 at the age of eighty.
The presence of many former parishioners at his removal and funeral bore testament to the love that they felt for him. In all his parishes, Father Tom made a point of visiting every household on a regular basis.
After retirement Father Tom came to live in Knockmoyle, Tralee, and he continued to help out in parish affairs and act as a relief priest.

Father Tom was one of life's 'quiet men' and never sought the limelight. His acts of kindness and assistance were many and always unreported. Having conversations with him one-on-one was forever enlightening and entertaining, and this is how he will be best remembered. He never, ever criticised anybody, preferring to see the good in a person.
He also had great respect and love of his family, especially the younger members who will miss his little chats and funny asides greatly.
Father Tom also had a great love of golf and every summer would see him either on the golf courses or at the sand dunes in Banna practising and enjoying himself.

At his funeral Mass, which was celebrated by his long-time friend Mons. O'Riordan along with over sixty of his fellow priests, the congregation heard a wonderful homily given by Fr. Kennelly of Boherbee, Co. Cork who was once a pupil of Father Tom's in the Sem in Killarney.
Father Tom was predeceased by his brothers Mons. James, Mossy and Pat, his sisters Sr. Rosario (Rose), Margaret O'Donnell and Sr. Baptist (Eileen). His loss will be sadly felt by his brother Dan (Tralee) and all his nephews, nieces and their extended families.

Courtesy of Kerry's Eye 2nd February 2012 Tweet

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