The late TP Pettit It was with shock and extreme sadness that we heard of the devastating news that TP had been tragically taken from this life early on Monday morning, April 2nd 2007, at such a young age. A young man in his prime he was one of the most likable fellas you could ever chance to meet, great company and always smiling. That smile of course could mean he was up to some devilment or plotting something. TP's outgoing manner and approachable nature was often a source of uplift to anyone who came in contact with him. For such a young man he carried a lot on his shoulders, in recent years both his father and mother were taken from their family, and TP without fear or complaint assumed the head of the household, which he carried out with pride and dignity. He cared deeply for his sisters Colette and Siobhan and his younger brothers Sean, Danny and David, and also his precious niece and goddaughter Ciara. TP was known far and wide and as Fr Declan Shannon said at his removal there are few people easily recognisable by their first name, TP was one of them. The Club and the County ha lost a truly dedicated clubman and noted referee. TP was involved in all aspects of club life from an early age; he took great pride in pulling on the club jersey on numerous occasions, he was involved in coaching and managing a number of underage teams. From 2002-2004 he was Chairman of the Minor club, his popularity with the youth was evident from the poignant display from the underage players at his removal and funeral, and he also found time to take part in the novelty act in senior Scor and represented the club in a number of Leinster Finals. In 2005 he was very proud of his brother David who played in and collected both senior and U-21 championship medals. During this busy schedule TP found time to start his successful refereeing career in 2000 and during the following years he quickly rose up through the ranks, taking charge of a lot of notable games on the way and gaining the respect and confidence of players and officials alike. In 2005 he took charge of the Leader Cup Final, in 2006 he took charge of the Fr Manning Cup Final and the Minor Championship Final replay, as well as numerous senior league and championship games. In 2007 he took charge of his first inter-county game, an O'Byrne Shield game in Carlow for which he received an excellent assessment and he was due to take charge of a first round game in the Leinster Minor Championship on Easter Saturday. TP was also a competent umpire and linesman and was regularly seen on television assisting both his good colleagues Eugene Murtagh and Derek Fahy. Indeed, just the day before his death he was an umpire at the All-Ireland Senior Football Club Championship Final replay in Portlaoise. TP was without doubt destined for bigger things in the near future. TP popularity was very much evident by the large volumes of people from all parts of the country that turned up at his house at both his removal and funeral. Many people from all walks of life, young and old, have been touched by TP's colourful, unassuming and gentle character. Weather it be a meeting, a football match, a social function or from his schools days there was always a moment when TP's presence made a mark on most people lives. To his heartbroken sisters Colette and Siobhan, brother Sean, Danny and David, brother-in-laws Brian and Mark, his goddaughter Ciara, cousins, relations and his large circle of friends and colleagues, relations and his large circle of friends and colleagues we offer our heartfelt sympathies. TP - you have brightened up all our days in Dromard, you have left us with many many memories to treasure and although those memories live on, they fall far short of the 'real thing'. TP will be remembered forever by those of us lucky to know him and that is the greatest tribute that we can pay him. Ar Dheis Dhe go raibh Anan. Courtesy of the Longford Leader 13 April 2007 Tweet

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