Williams, Tommy
February 02, 2007
The late Tommy Williams
Fifty-two year old, Tommy Williams of Castlepark in Newtownforbes, Co Longford died tragically when the van, of which he was a passenger, collided with a lorry.
Tommy was originally from Rossan in Aughavas, co Leitrim, moved to Lucan in Dublin, where he worked for the Dublin Corporation for a number of years. He came to the village of Newtownforbes nine years ago and worked as a machine driver for a local construction company.
Tommy came from a large family - he had three brothers and four sisters - and was hugely popular with young children, teenagers, adults and the elderly alike. His parents, John Joe and Anna-Mae Williams, owned a shop in Rossan in which Tommy worked when he was a young boy.
He was well-represented on the GAA scene, both locally and nationally. He was a Co Board Delegate for Clonguish GAA Club, of which his two sons, Enda and Ciaran both play. At the tender age of 14, Tommy played for the senior Aughavas GAA team but hung up his boots when his treasured sons were born. A dedicated family man, Tommy travelled the length and breadth of Ireland with his wife, Maureen to support their sons in their football careers. His family and football were his life.
As a result of Tommy's tragic death and his dedication to the game, the Longford Co Board cancelled the O'Byrne Shield Final Between Longford and Athlone IT.
Apart from the GAA, Tommy was also a keen horse racing fan, and he loved watching the races in his local taverns, Casey's and The Castle Inn.
A huge crowd attended Tommy's funeral, each wishing to say goodbye to the man they admired so much. Local GAA Clubs, Aughavas GAA Club, friends and neighbours formed a guard of honour from Tommy's house in Castlepark to St Mary's Church in Newtownforbes - an indication to how popular Tommy was throughout the country. Friends and acquaintances from all over Ireland attended his funeral to bid a final farewell to their beloved friend.
The community of Newtownforbes rallied together to support Tommy's wife, Maureen and their two sons, Enda and Ciaran through this tragic time. The residents of Castlepark were outstanding, acting as traffic stewards at the removal.
Tommy will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Maureen; sons, Enda and Ciaran; sisters Mary, Olive, Sarah, and Teresa; brothers John Jo, Terence and Stephen; aunts, uncle mother-in-law, brothers in law, sister in law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
His remains were brought to St Mary's Church, Newtownforbes with burial in local cemetery after the funeral mass.
Courtesy of The Longford Leader
2 February 2007
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