McNicholas, Tom
June 28, 2011Although he had played in every other round of the championship Tom, who was 98, missed playing in the final because of a rule in his teaching post which refused him time off for collective training.
He played mostly in defence by tin the 1946 semi-final was selected at centre half-forward, marking Miko Doyle of Kerry.
Born in Treenagleeragh, Kiltimagh, on August 15, 1914, at the outbreak of the Great War, Tom was third in a family of ten.
He won a five-year scholarship to St Nathy's, after which he trained as a teacher at St Patrick's Drumcondra, qualifying two years later.
In college he developed his football skills with Erin's Hope and other teams. In 1933 he had his first run with Mayo and went on to win four National League medals with the county. He toured America with them in 1937.
While teaching in the area Tom won a county junior championship medal with Ballyjamesduff, and a senior championship with Mount Nugent in Cavan.
He married a Kerry girl, Nuala Quinlan and they had five children- Mary, Walter, twins Ann and Aoibhinn and Claire - all born in County Roscommon, where Tom was posted as schools inspector, all now living in Dublin. Nuala died eleven years ago.
After six years in Boyle, a stint in Clonmel and on promotion to divisional inspector, a while in Limerick, Tom was appointed chairman of one of the committees set up by the Department of Education to draw up a new curriculum for primary schools.
The Introduction of that curriculum in 1972 commenced the great advance in education in Ireland.
Tommy, who's has many nephews and nieces and relations in the Kiltimagh area, is survived by his family of five, relatives, neighbours and friends. Interment will take place in Dublin following Requiem Mass on Wednesday.
Courtesy of The Mayo News
June 28th 2011 Tweet
