The late Tommy O'Beirne Little did Tommy O'Beirne think that when he set about extending the graveyard beside Killure Church it would be his final resting place quite so soon. The project was one of many into which Mr O'Beirne (57) threw his heart and soul during a life that Very Rev. Fr. John Naughton of Eyrescourt Parish described as "Christianity in action". He was instrumental in establishing the local water scheme, he was one of the main drivers in building the Community Centre and GAA dressing rooms and had helped set up the local GAA pitch. Parish Administrator Very Rev. Fr. Christy McCormack told the 500 people who crammed into and outside St Teresa's Church at Killure how he had trained senior and junior GAA hurling teams. He had been on the Board of Management of the local national school and had served on the Pastoral Council. Another love was clay pigeon shooting and he had competed nationally as Connacht Champion, a skill passed onto his eldest son. A flag from the regional association as well as a jersey from his local GAA team draped his coffin at the ceremonies. As foreman at Fred Gilmartin's Garage in Ballinasloe, where he had worked since he was 17, Mr O'Beirne was know far and wide for his unfailing ability to solve problems. "Tommy was the man who had the strongest hand and the most gentle smile. No matter what scenario or situation, it could always be solved," enthused Fr. McCormack. "Tommy would capture each person whether it was a mere puncture or a crank shaft of an engine that cracked - Tommy took charge of it and it was going to be driven out of the garage perfect." Such was the esteem in which Mr O'Beirne was held that his Removal was delayed for two hours as mourners paid their respect. His funeral Mass was Concelebrated by five priests, including Fr Sean Egan of Loughrea, Fr Nicholas Murray of Kilconnell. Rev. Trevour Sullivan of Aughrim was in the Sacristy. The children of St. Teresa's National School formed a Guard of Honour as he was laid to rest in the heavy rain. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune 6 October 2006 Tweet

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