Harnett, Tom
May 28, 2011
The Late Tom Harnett
The death occurred at his home in Newcastle West on Tuesday, May 17 of Tom Harnett. He died on the company of his sister Kathleen O'Brien who took great care of him during his illness. Tom was a son of the late Catherine and John D. Harnett of Glenmore. Tom was kind, loving, straight-talking man. He loved people and was great company. He was a free spirit who loved to do things his own way. He never forgot his native place and he loved Tour. Despite his illness he kept going in his beloved 1988 Fiesta and he never complained.
Tom was a plasterer by trade, but he wasn't afraid to take on other chores in the construction industry. He made the decision in March 1987 to leave Ireland and head to the US. His wife Marie and his family joined him in may. They set up home in Hackensack, New Jersey, where Tom was an apartment supervisor. He worked in the local hospital for 11 years as a Grounds Supervisor.
Later, along with Marie and his family, they purchased and ran Maggie's Bar and restaurant, which is still going well. Tom, Marie, Richard, Karen, Shane and Mark did very well in New Jersey. Tom with his brothers Pat, Moss and Sean, were very much part of the golden era of Tour hurling in the early 1970's, when they won four West titles in a row- Junior in '70 and '71 and Senior in '72 and '73. Tom scored a wonderful goal in 1972 when he doubled overhead on a ball 30 yards out, which rifled into the top right- hand corner of the net.
Tom's popularity and that of his family was evidenced by the large crowds who attended the removal of his remains from Reidy's Funeral Home to the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Newcastle West on Thursday night and the Requiem Mass on Friday, which was celebrated by Canon Frank Duhig, Fr. Willie O'Gorman, Fr Tom Ryan, Fr. Richard Keane and Fr Pat Bluett. After Mass Tom's remains were laid to rest in his beloved Tour. At the graveside Sean and Richard paid a very tribute to the man and the character that was Tom Harnett. They spoke of his love of family, music, work, sport and recreation.
To his wife Marie, daughter Karen, sons Richard, Mark and Shane, grandchildren, great-grandchild, sisters Joan, Kathleen, Mary, Bridie and Ita, brothers Pat, Dan, Sean and Moss, their families, neighbours and many, many friends, we extend our sincere sympathy. Ar dheis lamh de go raibh a anam dilis.
Courtesy of the Limerick Leader
28th May 2011
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