The Late Thomas O'Shea The untimely death of Thomas O'Shea, Ballygowan, Kiloganny had a profound effect on the parish of Dunnamaggin. The shock news of his sudden death on was greeted with disbelief. The previous evening Thomas had attended the Dunnamaggin Senior Hurling Training session, as he had done for the past 16 years. During that time Thomas had looked after hurling ball and hurleys for Dunnamaggin teams as well as ensuring that the dressing rooms were in immaculate condition after each match or training session. Thus he was ever present at training and matches. Instead of the team journeying to Hugginstown to play Ballyhale Shamrocks on Saturday evening, they formed guard of honour as his remains were removed to St Eoghan's Church, Kilmoganny. The attendance at his funeral included many well-known GAA personnel and players including County Chairman Ned Quinn. Also in attendance were Liam Aylward MEP, Cllrs Mat Doran and Bobby Aylward. The remains were received by Rev. Nicholas Flavin P.P. and Rev Bernard Murphy O.Carm. The funeral Mass was con-celebrated by parish priest Rev Nicholas Flavin and Rev. Bernard Alton, Larche Community. Thomas's love of hurling and commitment to work where he used his talents in the service of others was referred to in the homily and in the gifts presented at the offertory procession. He had worked in the building trade as a plasterer and painter with Sean Aylward for over 27 years. The reading at Mass, the prayers of the Faithful and offertory procession were done by member of his family and friends. At the end of the ceremony Dunnamaggin Club Chairman Seamus Martin thanked him for his great dedication to Dunnamaggin and members of his family recalled his generosity and the loss he will be. The Dunnamaggin choir sang during the ceremony and his sister Margaret sang Absent Friends , his favourite song at the end. He will be sadly missed by all but especially by his family brothers Nicholas, Martin and Jimmy, his sisters Nelly, Margaret Holland, Joan Hayes, Kilkenny and his uncle Tommy. May he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Kilkenny People 24th June 2005 Tweet

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