The late Tom Lally The death occurred on January 28th, 2007 in Chicago of Tom Lally, a native of Mount Delvin, Cloonfad. Tom was well-known among the Irish community in Chicago and was regarded as "Roscommon's number one supporter" in the city. He was an active member of Gaelic Park and was a regular visitor there at all GAA games. In later years, he would cycle several miles from his home to watch all GAA games in his favourite bar, The Goalpost, in the Oaklawn area of the city. Tom became increasingly ill in recent months. However, the best medicine he got during that time, according to his daughter Maureen, was the visit while in hospital from members of the Roscommon minor team with the Tom Markham Cup. In October of 2006 a number of the Roscommon minor panel and officials travelled to Chicago as guests of the Wolfe Tones GAA Club. They were invited to attend the club's annual dinner dance. The club was also celebrating its success in winning the North American League in 2006. The Wolfe Tones Club boasts a large Roscommon contingent. The trip was arranged by Enda Rafferty and John Conlon, both from Tulsk area and former members and players with Tulsk GAA Club. During their trip to The Windy City, the young players and mentors were feted. They attended the dinner dance, as well as other organised events among the Irish and Roscommon community in the city. One of the highlights of the weekend was their attendance at an American Football game between Notre Dame College and the Army in the wonderful surroundings of the famous college. Team captain, David Flynn, vice-captain Stephen Ormsby, David Keenan and Fintan Cregg, team mentors Declan Hoare and Mark Dowd and county board officials Charlie Warde and Brendan Cregg made the trip. Two of the players, David Flynn and Steven Ormsby, travelled with Charlie Warde, brendan Cregg, also a native of Cloonfad, and Enda Raffery (a personal friend of Tom) to visit Tom Lally in hospital. Tom was overwhelmed by the visit and was visibly delighted to raise the Tom Markham Cup in his hands. Indeed it was felt by everyone present - that never did the cup bring more joy to anyone. The young players were amazed by the octogenarian's wit, conversation and knowledge of their county, particularly relating to football matters. Indeed this visit was a big influence on them, no doubt impressing on them how much the success of the minor team meant to all of the county's emigrants, particularly those of advanced years. Tom advised his young visitors to continue to strive to bring honour and glory to their county, although he felt that he might not live to see them bring the ultimate prize to his beloved Roscommon. He did, however, offer the hope that he would, once again make his annual sojourn to Roscommon during the summer of 2007 where he would renew old acquaintances around the Cloonfad area and in the 'back bar' of Griffen's Pub in particular. Unfortunately Tom never got to make that final journey. However, he has surely made a journey of a different kind and is now renewing old acquaintances on high. Tom was born in 1923 in Mount Delvin, Cloonfad, the second son of James and Julia Lally. He received his education in Mount Delvin National School. He emigrated to England and in 1948 made the journey across the broad Atlantic to America, from where he travelled to Chicago, which became his home until he passed away in January 2007. He worked in the maintenance department of Chicago Transit Company until his retirement. In 1956 he married Mary Lisalway, Castlerea, and together they raised three sons and one daughter. Tom never forgot Ireland. His love for the land of his birth was unending. He made his first visit with his wife and family in 1965 and that was the first of man. For the past 20 years, he visited Cloonfad annually, usually staying with his cousin Peggy Lally Prendergast. Indeed he often stayed for three months at a time. His greatest love was for his family, his uncle Pakie, his niece, all his cousins and of course, football. He never missed a game and loved to go to the pub at night to hold an inquest into whatever match had been played that day. He phoned his cousin Peggy every Sunday at 2pm to keep in touch with what was happening at home in Cloonfad and Shanballymore, always inquiring about how the neighbours were, before he set off to watch whatever match was televised that day or whatever match was on in Gaelic Park. He had his own corner in The Goalpost, and he was known there by young and old alike. His house in Chicago was a base for many young Irish until they established themselves and Tom always made his new visitors welcome. In 1944 he made the journey to Amsterdam to visit his brothers John Pake's grave. John fought in World War Two as a corporal in the Irish Guards, was killed in the Battle of Arnhem in Holland and was buried in the military cemetery of Markeese near Eindhoven. Tom's wife Mary also died in 1994 and his own health began to deteriorate subsequently. After her death, Tom wrote a letter detailing his own funeral arrangements, which were followed after he passed away. His funeral mass took place in the church of St Bede the Venerable, during which his granddaughter, Sharon, sang his favourite song, Danny Boy. There was hardly a dry eye in the church during her beautiful rendition as many friends and relatives from Chicago and those who travelled from Ireland joined together for his final farewell. Tom was buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Afterwards his instructions were followed as his many friends and relations were treated to refreshments in the Gaelic Park Centre. The late Tom Lally is survived by his sons John, Tommy, Jimmy and daughter Maureen, his niece Maureen in England, cousins in Ireland, daughters in law, son in law, grandchildren and one great grandchild. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Brendan Cregg (Roscommon Minor Board Chairman) Courtesy of The Roscommon Herald 20 February 2007 Tweet

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