The late Tom Cunniffe A very popular city based business man who lived for his family and never forgot his native place was buried. Tom Cunniffe, Brogue Maker's Hill, Kilkenny was a life-long supporter of Roscommon football and it was fitting that a guard of honour was formed at his funeral by former players from his old club in Roscommon, Clanna Gael, including former Roscommon inter-county greats, Tony White, P.J. Shine and Peter Watson. They were joined by comrades from his playing days in Kilkenny, made up of Clanna Gael, Kilkenny Football Board led by Pat Mulrooney and members of Dicksboro which he coached for years. Tom came from a small village called Drum not far from Athlone and enjoyed a great Gaelic football career. He played under-age for his county before winning a number of senior county championships with Clanna Gael, Roscommon. He moved to Kilkenny in 1968 and started to play with a newly formed GAA team established by Con O'Shea, Listry, Co Kerry and Vicar Street, Kilkenny. Tom won a number of championships with the club. He normally played at full-back and it was true to say that he was strong in the tackle with a great and safe pair of hands. He always found a man with his clearances and was highly regarded by those who played with him. When he came to the city in 1968 it was as manager of a supermarket in Parliament Street. Later, he moved and bought another supermarket, owned by the late Francie McGuinnness, at John's Green where Tom's son Alan now runs a very successful Centra store. He was an excellent businessman who always looked after his clients. He was very well thought of and was also involved with the Dicksboro club for many years. He hardly ever missed a Roscommon senior football match and always made a point of meeting the players and mentors afterwards, win or lose. He is survived by his wife Muriel; sons Declan, James, Alan, Enda and Thomas and by his daughters, Anne, Muriel and Emily; daughter-in-laws Joan and Catherine and grandson Tadgh. Tom Cunniffe died on the evening of Friday, May 28. He was surrounded by his family when he passed away in St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny. He was waked at his home and his remains were brought to St Canice's Church on Sunday evening. He was buried in St Kieran's cemetery on Monday after Requiem Mass in St Canice's church. The passing of Tom Cunniffe brought sadness to people from many walks of life, not least his neighbours in Broguemaker's Hill. Tom was much loved by his family, cherished by his friends and highly respected by all who knew him. In his adopted home in Kilkenny we had to grudgingly accept that Roscommon was his first love. Having said that we were grateful for having such a wonderful man in our midst for so long. Tom contributed much to Kilkenny. He wore the black and amber while playing Gaelic football for Kilkenny. During his time as a player he was one of those who brought a massive improvement for a period, to the game of Gaelic football in Kilkenny. Tom was a player with the Clanna Gael football team and encounters between Clanna Gael and The Railyard were as keenly and skillfully contested as football games in any county in Ireland. Apart from his sporting achievements, Tom was a highly regarded businessman. He competed successfully with supermarket giants such as Dunnes Stores and Superquinn and his prices and quality often left his more vaunted competitors way behind. However, it was when we gathered in the late May sunshine on that Sunday evening outside Tom's home in Broguemaker's Hill, to escort his mortal remains to the church, the greatest tribute was paid to Tom Cunniffe. His young daughter Ann, gave a homily to her late father that was one of the finest I have ever heard. In a clear, brave voice, she spoke of her Dad "holding her as a child" in his huge strong arms and when she looked into his deep blue eyes, she felt safer there than anywhere else on earth." Most of us listening were parents and could understand the full meaning of this young girl's words. With lumps in our throats and moist eyes we knew that Tom was a model for all of us to aspire to. We have lost Tom, but we have gained a wonderful family, and no doubt Muriel and her eight children will continue,as the Cunniffe's have always done, to make Kilkenny a better place for us all to live in. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé. Courtesy of the Kilkenny People June 2004 Tweet

Most Read Stories