The late Thomas McLoughlin It was with regret and sadness we record the passing of Thomas McLoughlin, Corrabarrick to his eternal reward. His death took place in the loving care of the nurses and staff of the O'Carolan Nursing Home following a short illness borne with Christian fortitude. Tommie, as we all fondly remember him, was a devoted family man, very accomplished tradesman, farmer and dedicated GAA enthusiast. He was born in September 1925 to parents Dan and Roseanne McLoughlin (nee Rourke). He was their first child and was later joined by Terry, Dan and sister Peggy. Tommy grew up as the Irish Free State came to grips with independence and the great sacrifices it demanded. His parents would have lived through a turbulent period of Irish History 1916 rising, 1st World War, War of Independence and subsequent treaty and Civil War, which would have put enormous pressure on the scant resources of an emerging fledgling Irish Free State. Self-sufficiency and hard work would be the order of the day and families like the McLoughlins would rally to Ireland's cause and toiled hard on their small farm to ensure the State survived its infancy. It is people like them we owe a great deal of gratitude and it is thanks to their great work and industry that the Irish State survived through a difficult period of its birth. Tommie received his early education at Cornagon National School later on he attended Annaduff National School. He went to Annaduff to help out his grandfather Tierny O'Rourke, assisting in the many tasks that was the order of survival of the day, like milking cows, rearing hay, cutting turf, tillage etc. These tasks would prove a great education and provided its students with a great sense of self-sufficiency, determination and patient endurance to stick with many tasks and difficulties which arose in their lives. Following completion of his education at Annaduff, he joined locals Dan and Jimmy Stenson, Carrick-on-Shannon, as building contractors. They built many houses in the local Fenagh area and also worked all over Ireland building schools and houses in places like Wexford and Allenwood, Co. Kildare. On he 22nd June 1959 Tommie married local girl Kathleen Muldoon, Corrabarrick. Tommie with the experience gained from the building trade was able to construct a new dwelling house for his new bride. During the '50s and '60s Tommie worked with contractor Paddy McLoughlin and they built many churches, schools and nursing homes throughout Ireland. Locally, Tommie helped to construct chapels at Ballinamore, Swanlinbar and Killargue. He also worked at a Friary in Ards and a school and convent in Milford, Co. Donegal. Also at schools in Ferbane, Edenderry and Castlebar and also at a nursing home in Delvin, Co. Westmeath. An accidental fall from a building, while working in Donegal, resulted in a serious knee injury and Tommie was forced to retire from the building work. From then on he worked the family farm and helping neighbours and friends with his tradesman skills and knowledge which were very much on demand. The early '70s saw the re-emergence and revival of underage GAA in Fenagh with Tommie and his young family of Noeleen, Donie, T.P. and Killian playing a key role in its development. While Tommie himself did not participate in playing GAA games, it would be in the administration and organisation skills where he would leave his mark. His brother Terry played with Fenagh in the late '40s early '50s. His father Dan and his uncle Pat "Keck" McLoughlin were players of exceptional ability. Both were on Fenagh St. Caillins team who were county champions when the club won their last county title on the field of play in 1919. Dan and Pat were also regular County Leitrim players. With is young family taking part in GAA, Tommie's interest in the GAA was rekindled and, from the '70s onwards until his final passing, he was to the forefront and played a huge role in Fenagh and Leitrim GAA. In 1973 Tommie was selector along with P.J. Hargadon, Hugh Maguire and trainer Richard Ellis of Fenagh under-12 side which made an historic breakthrough in underage football winning its first ever U-12 title, going on to win 3 in-a-row championships. The great work done by him and his fellow selectors would prove a great foundation for the future success of the club, as much of this team would later advance to join the nucleus of the successful Fenagh Senior team of the '80s and '90s. During the early '70s transport to games was not as plentiful as today, but who needed team coaches when when Tommie's' Ford Escort could bring players - I think the highest number recorded was a total of 14. Nobody was left behind - players or supporters. Tommie played of a colossal and pivotal role in the promotions and development of the GAA in Fenagh as an officer of the club. From 1979 to 2005 he was the treasurer, a job he carried out with great dedication. Despite weather conditions, wind, rain or snow, he was a familiar sight at the turnstiles doing his job in a friendly manner, raising much needed finance to ensure the club's smooth-running. I think his proudest moment was when Fenagh GAA officially opened its playing facilities of Pairc Sean O Laodain in 1985. He was the treasurer of the Park Committee and a key activist. His skills as a finanical controller were legendary. He had exceptional recollection skills and could quickly recall to the last penny the club income and expenditure. Anyone who played cards with him could certify to his keen sense of concentration and memory. At Christmas time, when card games were played at Fenagh or Kesh', the McLoughlin family would have an extra turkey - Tommie usually returned winning some prizes. As well as being treasurer of Fenagh GAA, Tommie's was treasurer of Bord na nOg for a period during the 80's, leaving them in a sound financial position. Tommie's mortal remains were laid to rest in the hallowed grounds of Fenagh Abbey Cemetery. He is pre-deceased by his brother Father Dan who died tragically in a traffic accident in Boston USA and his brother Terry who died some time ago in Annaduff. To his wife Kathleen, sons Donie, T.P. and Killian, daughter Noeleen, sister Peggy, all relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy sympathy. Tommie McLoughlin gave a lifetime dedication and unselfish contribution to Fenagh and Leitrim GAA. Words will never express adequately our sincere gratitude to him and many of his generation who volunteer their time freely for the good of their community. May he rest in peace. O.D. Courtesy of The Leitrim Observer 30 December 2005 Tweet

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