Tomas O'Keefe, (O'Caoimh) Church Street and formerly of the Curragh, Clara, Co Offaly died suddenly on March 28. He was a well known and well respected member of the local community. In his mid-fifties, Tommy had packed a wealth of activity into his relatively short life. Tommy received his primary education in St Francis' National School and later attended St Kieran's Secondary School where he became very proficient in Irish, his love and passion for which was a great feature of his life. On leaving school he took up farming on the family farm and for many years delivered milk to the townspeople. Among Tommy's great passions were Fianna Fail and the GAA. He was a lifelong member of the GAA and was Secretary at various times. A personal friend of Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Tommy was a very active member in the local Ber Cowen Cumann. He also served on the Fianna Fail Comhairle Ceanntar and was a regular attender at the Fianna Fail Annual Ard Fheis. Tommy was always available to help people in trouble. There was a prime example just a few months ago when he was already ill. On his way home, he discovered a neighbour's sheep in imminent danger from flood water on the Brosna. He organised a rescue party and would not accept any token of appreciation when the job was done. There was a very large crowd at his funeral and members of the local GAA, Fianna Fail Cumann and Ard Scoil Chiaran jointly provided a guard of honour. After requiem mass in St Brigids Church, burial took place to the monastery cemetery. Deepest sympathy is extended to his beloved wife of 21 years Yvonne, his much cherished daughter Jane, his sisters Anna, Marian, Kate and Dolores and his wide circle of relatives and friends. Offaly Express, 17th May 2009 Tweet

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