The Late Tom Bracken Many tributes have been paid to many people down through the years by family and friends of the deceased members of the community, but on Tuesday, 8th June last, the sudden death of Tom Bracken, Craydon Court, caused heartfelt sadness and grief among his family and a wide circle of friends. Tom was one of life's gentlemen, always on hand to help his friends and neighbours, and with his jovial manner, touched everyone who came in contact with him. Coming from one of the most respected families in Portlaoise, from Millview, his late father, Joe was a lifelong member of the Portlaoise G.A.A. Club and participated in club affairs for many years and held the position of Chairman, when Portlaoise G.A.A. Club won the Senior Football Championship in 1958. His brother Paddy was a stalwart G.A.A man, representing his Club and County with distinction for many years and was regarded as the best goalkeeper ever to grace the fields of the Gaelic Athletic Association both locally and nationally. For Tom's part, he excelled in both hurling and football for town and county in the 1950'/1960's and was also a member of the famous Worsted Mills Factory Teams. He was a member of many of the successes of the Portlaoise G.A.A. Club and Worsted Mills teams at this time, culminating in success of the Intermediate Football team that won the Championship in 1956. Tom always gave 100% to his beloved Club and County, and when his playing career ended, he involved himself in his home club, Portlaoise. In 1987, when Portlaoise G.A.A. Club were preparing some way of marking the Centenary of the Club, I, and some committee members of the club, was asked to set up a Museum in the Portlaoise G.A.A Centre, to record the outstanding achievements of the Club through the years. Tom was the one man that came to mind to organise this major project and with his helpfulness and kindness, the project was completed and was an outstanding success. Many dreams were realised by myself and Tom, and the work done on the Museum was a testament to Tom's hard work and dedication. To sum up Tom's contribution to the Community is a task simply beyond the ability of this writer. Suffice to say, that as one of the immediate beneficiaries of his wisdom, humanity and guidance, Tom will be, sadly missed and fondly remembered for evermore. Our sympathies go to Carmel, his wife, son Tom, daughter Martha, brother Paddy and sister Brigid (Bibi), his Grandchild Marc, daughter in law Marie, and all his relatives and friends. Courtesy of the Leinster Express June 2004 Tweet

Most Read Stories