The late Tom Tangney The death has taken place of Tom Tangney, Oakview, Tralee and formerly of CIE and NBRU, on Friday, March 10, 2006, peacefully, at his residence. Tom had a long association with CIE and the trade union management. He was one of the founding members of the NBU (National Busmen Union), which later became NBRWU. He also served on the National Executive up to his retirement in the late 70s. He was a trusted confidant of the Executive members and in particular the ordinary member whose interests alone led to this activitism. Tom did care deeply that ordinary workers deserved proper treatment and a decent wage. This drove his involvement in a number a strikes and though it caused him and his very close friends great hardship his family never wanted for anything throughout this period. Mary and himself always put the kids first no matter how bad the situation. Tom was born in Russell Street on June 18, 1933 to Michael and Hannah Tangney, the fourth of four children. Sadly one of his brothers Patrick died when he was just four. His mother Hannah Ferriter was from Annascaul, while his father Michael was a Tralee man who fought in the War of Independence. The older generation of Tralee people have fond memories of Michael, a blacksmith by trade, who had his forge in Rock Street, just above Kellihers hardware. Tom was educated by the Christian Brothers at Edward Street and later at the Green where he completed his education. Like many of his peers he took the emigrant ship to England in search of employment. He settled in Birmingham and worked on the buses. On returning to Ireland he took up employment with CIE ,working the Limerick to Kilkee route. At this time he met and married his wife, Mary Barry of 6 Cloonbeg Terrace, Ballymullen, and they had three boys Brian, Maurice and Mike. His attachment to all things Kerry and Tralee in particular led to the three boys being born in Tralee, even though they lived in Kilkee, to ensure they were first and foremost Tralee men. They moved to Newcastle West, Co. Limerick where he set up and managed a very successful insurance business. Tom and Mary were involved in many local organisations and in particular he chaired the Community Centre Committee up to its successful opening and typically faded into the background when it was completed. He was a man of great decency and integrity and expected the same of others. The only time he really was angry was when he saw other people act in a manner that they knew was unfair and would hurt someone else. You could argue and disagree with him for the day and never fall out with him. But if you did anything dishonest, either financially or morally, you would lose a great friend for life. He had no particular hobbies but was passionate in his support of all Kerry GAA teams, and took particular pride in the Austin Stacks and its production line of Kerry footballers. He played minor football with the club in the 40s. He was also a huge Kerry fan and never missed a Munster or All-Ireland Final since he was a young man, whether Kerry were involved or not. The All-Ireland final weekend with Mary and friends was the highlight of his year. In later years gardening became a passion. He took particular pride in his grandchildren, Barry, Darragh, Ciara (the first Tangney girl born in 100 years), Chloe and Aimee. He loved to play chess with Barry, talk sport to Darragh, and visit Maura with Ciara, Chloe and Aimee to sing the Rose of Tralee. Integrity is an over used word but in Tom Tangney's case it is the only appropriate epitaph. At the removal of his remains from Hogan's Funeral Home on Saturday, March 11, a guard of honour form Austin Stacks hurling and football club flanked the hearse. The coffin was draped in the black and amber of the club. Following Requiem Mass on Sunday, burial took place in New Rath Cemetery. Tom is deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary, sons Mike, Maurice and Brian, grandchildren Barry, Darragh, Ciara, Chloe, Aimee, daughters-in-law, Angela and Marie, brother-in-law Maurice, relatives and friends. Courtesy of The Kerryman 23 March 2006 Tweet

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