Earley, Tom
March 21, 2007The death has taken place at Mayo General Hospital of Tom Earley, Logaphuill, Castlebar and formerly from Knocksaxon, Balla.
Tom was a talented man in so many ways. His skills as a footballer, a civil engineer and a community building person were very evident in every job he undertook.
Twenty nine years ago he married Ann Deacy from Errew and the couple were blessed with three sons.
Imbued with a great love of Gaelic football, Tom played club football with his native Balla and later joined the Ballintubber club as a player. He was also a dedicated member of the management team of the Ballintubber club.
As a defender he was solid and steadfast, always generating a strong team spirit in the defence. Such was his dedication to football that he often drove long distances back to Ballintubber to take part in training sessions.
As Tom was taken from his home on his final journey to Ballyheane Church, members of Ballintubber GAA club formed a guard of honour. During his requiem Mass celebrated by Fr John Kilcoyne, Fr Jarlath Heraty and Fr Fergal Cunnane, Fr Kilcoyne paid glowing tributes to Tom as a loving husband and dedicated father and genuine community person.
"All of us gathered here today have our own special memories of Tom," said Fr Kilcoyne. "He worked all over the country and everyone worked with continues to have fond memories of him. Tom was called on to be courageous, to suffer more than anyone should be asked to suffer. We can all see the goodness expressed here today in the large number of people who have come to say goodbye to Tom".
Tom had the distinction of being probably the only Mayo man to have won an All-Ireland hurling medal, an honour he achieved while playing with St Jarlath's College, Tuam. He travelled to London in 2006 to watch his son, Paul, play with London against Mayo in the first round of the championship.
During the post-Communion reflection, his son Tomas paid a warm tribute to his father when he said: 'Dad was such a hard worker. He always made time for everyone, especially his family and friends."
After Mass Tom was laid to rest in the local cemetery.
To his wife Ann, sons Joe, Paul and Tomas, brothers, sisters and his many other relatives and friends, we extend our sincerest sympathies. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Courtesy of the Mayo News
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