Late Mr Tommy Harney

Mr Tommy Harney, Creggane, Cornafulla, Athlone, who died suddenly on Tuesday, April 17th at University College Hospital, Galway, was one of South Roscommon's foremost community activists extended over four decades. Aged 71, he was the eldest of a family of eight, four boys and four girls. He was known nationally for his association with quiz competitions including adult Scor and his sense of decency and reliability saw him repeatedly asked to act as question-master in many localised competitions throughout the midlands including the annual Drum Heritage Group quiz in his native Parish area. Of an affable and caring disposition, his easy familiarity with one and all won him wide ranging friendships amongst all age groups. Attached to the staff of the Department of Post and Telegraphs and latterly Eircom for 39 years he was deservedly popular with his work colleagues and all those with whom he became acquainted. His community commitments in his native parish included the Drum Community Centre Committee, the PTAA, and the Board of Management of Cornafulla NS. He was a founder member of the Drum Community Centre Committee and assisted at the weekly bingo sessions for many years. He was a past President of the Drum PTAA Centre Committee and he led the innumerable Clann Na Gael Scor quiz teams with distinction over the decades and his involvement was fittingly rewarded when the Clann Na Gael Club took home the All Ireland Scor Trath na Cheist title and trophy in 2005. A deeply religious person, he was a Minister of the Eucharist at St Brigid's Church, Drum, for many years and was noted for performing neighbourly deeds and kind acts with typical self effacement. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, his ready smile, pleasing demeanour and ability to listen to one and all always stood him in good stead. He is survived by his wife, Collette (nee Kelly, Ballinasloe) sons, Dermot, Ballinasloe and Tomas, Creggane, Cornafulla and daughters, Louise, Chicago and Clodagh, Callon, County Louth. Predeceased on March 11th last by his sister, Mrs Mary Duignan, Ballydangan, he is survived by brothers, Padraig , Clonown; Vincent, Cornafulla Post Office, Michael, Thomastown; sisters, Sister Helena, Bolivia; Mrs Lily Finneran, Feevagh, Dysart; Mrs Bridie McDonnell, Kilbeggan; sons-in-law, Gregg and Darren; grandchildren, Aimee and Charlie and a number of other relatives. Following Concelebrated Mass at St Brigid's Church, Drum on Friday week the burial took place in Drum cemetery. The celebrants of the Mass were Rev. Michael McManus, CC, Drum; Very Rev. Canon Liam Devine, PP, St Peter and St Paul's, Athlone; Rev. John McManus, CC, and Rev. Sean O' Dowd, CC. Guards of honour were formed at the removal and funeral by Eircom personnel, members of the Clann Na Gael GAA Club; the Drum Community Centre Committee and Probus (the Association of retired professional and business personnel).

Courtesy of the Roscommon Herald, May 1st, 2012. Tweet

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