The Late Tom Fitzgibbon The death has taken place of Tom Fitzgibbon of Main St., Oola, after a short illness. The late Tom, ran a very successful butcher stall along with his son Tom for many years where countless games were replayed and many a greyhound and racehorse were given a roasting as to their ability on the track. A gentle easy-going man of great Christian faith he served his community well and reared a large family along with his wife Kate. Hurling and Football were very much to the fore with the youthful Tom being selected on the Limerick minor hurling side in 1938 against Cork. That same year he figured as goalkeeper on the Doon junior hurling team that won the 1937 championship. In 1940 he was part of the successful Knockane team that took County senior football honours for the first time. In 1941 he was again in goal for Doon when they defeated Treaty after a replay to win the County Junior hurling crown for the second time. In 1943 Tom transferred to nearby Pallasgreen and played in the infamous County junior hurling semi final against Feenagh. During these years he helped fellow parishioners Solohead to win the West Tipperary Crosco Cup senior hurling league. Greyhounds and horses became his hobby one he retired from the playing fields and he had some success with the fourlegged beasts. He served for many years as an official of the Oola club and also as a selector with the Limerick senior footballers. His deeds were all recalled in November 2001, when he was presented with a Hall of Fame award at the East Limerick Awards night. His death removes from the area one of natures gentlemen. Large crowds attended his funeral from Whelans Funeral home in Tipperary to Oola Church and interment to Doon cemetery. His coffin was draped in the club colours in which he played and served so well. He is survived by his wife Kate, sons Tom, Sean, Margaret, Sally, Nan, Biddy, Lena, Mary and Rosaline. Courtesy of the Limerick Leader May 2003 Tweet

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