Tommy was loyal Rovers supporter

TOMMY (Thomas) Kerins was one of Sligo Rovers best known supporters. He passed away on September 30th, aged 86 years, but was certainly at the Aviva Stadium in spirit, like many others who had gone to their eternal reward, as his beloved 'Bit O'Red' won the F.A.I Cup for the third time in the club's chequered history with a thrilling penalty shootout victory over old rivals Shamrock Rovers.
Tommy used to cycle or walk the eleven miles to town from where he lived in Lyle, Grange, to the Showgrounds when he was a boy.

He would talk of the players he had seen in action such as Dixie Dean, the Monaghans, the Dykes brothers, Harry Litherland, and many other great players of that time. When he moved into town to work, he became a season ticket holder until he emigrated to the U.S.A he always kept in touch with Rovers fortunes and on his return to Ireland in the 1970's, he resumed his love affair with the club that meant so much to him.
Tommy got his season ticket every year from his long-time friend, the late, great Johnny Chadda and watched the games from beside what was the old Secretary's office.
While Rovers were always close to his heart, Tommy was a genuine sports fan and liked G.A.A. racing, cards, and baseball when he lived in the U.S.

He handled on his love of Rovers to his sons Donal and Thomas and shared many memorable games with them and other members of his family and friends.
He was at the F.A.I Cup Finals of 1939, 1940, 1970, 1981, 1983 and 1994. He attended the Republic of Ireland versus Italy and Norway games in the Giant's Stadium, with his son Donal, who is based in New York at the 1994 World Cup and was also at the final in Pasadena, California, featuring Italy and Brazil.
Educated at Grange National School and Summerhill College, Tommy got his first job with the former Higgins and Keighron Firm and won a McArthur Cup medal with them in 1949.

He also won a county Sligo Senior Championship medal with Craobh Rua in the early 1940's and played junior football with the county and junior soccer with M.C.R.
When he returned from the U.S he was based in Corrigeenroe, Boyle, for three years and then worked as a barman in The Four Seasons, The Stables, and Holland's on Church Hill.

He and his wife, Sadie, operated The Belvedere guest house on The Mall, for a number of years. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary (50 years) on December 28th, last.
Tommy was a founding member of the Sligo Active Retirement group and served as Secretary and Treasurer. Sadie was also heavily involved in the group.
Tommy enjoyed the friendship and the games of bowling in the Friary Hall and the trips to various places throughout the country.

Tommy's family have thanked all those who cared for him in the roses unit, St John's Hospital, and Sligo General Hospital.
His funeral Mass took place in St. Anne's Church, with burial afterwards at Sligo Cemetery.

Tommy is survived by his wife, Sadie; sons, Donal and Thomas; daughter, Jacinta; daughters-in-law; grandchildren; brother, Donal; sisters, Sr. Genevieve and Mairead; relatives and many, many friends. His brother Sean (Birmingham) predeceased him a number of years ago.

Courtesy of the Sligo Champion 24/11/10 Tweet

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