Imparted an appreciation of maths to his students

On Monday the eighth of November, 1920, during one of the turbulent periods of Irish history, Denis McCrohan and Mary O'Donoghue of Renard, Cahersiveen, welcomed into the world the first of a family of 11- children - a boy to be christened Timothy Kevin.

At a time when money was in short supply, the young Tadhg showed remarkable scholastic aptitude, gaining scholarships which enabled him complete secondary school and then University in Cork, graduating at the age of 20.

A keen footballer, he was a member of the first Renard football team in 1937 and is listed at midfield in a successful first outing against St Deracha's of Valentia. It is believed that he was the last surviving member of that team.

He taught school initially in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick before moving to Gort in the mid '40s. There he met his future wife, Lucy Lambert of Kilbeacanty. An attempt to introduce football to Gort came to nought.

After marrying in 1951, the couple moved to Ballyheigue, Co Kerry and started their own family. Tadhg commuted to his work as Principal of Causeway private school initially via moped but then in a Ford Popular as the family grew.

Wanting a home of their own the young family moved to Kilkenny where Tadhg taught in the CBS. They then moved to Galway where the first glimmerings of economic progress were emerging. Brennans were building Rockbarton Park on the outskirts of Salthill, at that time a small village outside Galway. They secured one of these houses for £2,500.

Starting in The Bish in 1960 and continuing on to his retirement as Vice-Principal in 1986, he excelled in teaching Honours Maths, imparting an appreciation for
that subject to many generations of students. His H.Dip tutorials were well regarded by numerous classes of UCG students. In 1966, in collaboration with Eddie Gibson he wrote the first maths text book for the New Curriculum then coming into schools.

Tadhg inaugurated and ran the Bish chess club for many years and then, showing forward thinking, formed the computer club - possibly a first in an Irish school.

A life member of the ASTI, Tadhg was active both locally and as a member of the executive in individual and national issues.

A keen photographer at a time when cameras were rare, he leaves behind an invaluable record of times of yore. An accomplished handyman and gardener, the fruits of his labours are evident throughout the house and garden.

That describes the public aspects of Tadhg. The man himself was of a low-key disposition, thoughtful and methodical; unassuming and humble, a good and faithful husband and a good father and grandfather.

Tadhg is sadly missed by his wife Lucy, children Michael, Mary, John and Denis, grandchildren Brian, Christopher, Siobhan, Fiona and Aoife, daughters-in-law Hilary and Bridie and his many pupils.

The removal of Tadhg's remains took place from the O'Flaherty Funeral Parlour, Galway on Wednesday, Jun 19 to the Church of Christ the King, Salthill. allowing Requiem Mass on Thursday, Jun 20 at 10.30am, interment took place in the New Cemetery, Bohermore.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam d'llis.

Courtesy of The Kerryman Tweet

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