Tommy was devoted to the community of Keash

Tommy Devine was a strong community activist who worked tirelessly for the benefit of his local Keash, Ballymote, area. He served as Postmaster of Keash Post Office, for 18 years. His late parents Thomas and Mary Kate were the first operators of the Post Office.
After attending Keash National School, Tommy helped his father on the family farm. He later went to England to work on the tunnels for the London Underground.
Tommy also worked in Manchester and set up his own business in the UK. An only son, he returned to Sligo in the 1960's with his first wife, the late Margo, nee Dorrian, from Donegal.
Tommy was always keen farmer and a great cattle man. For a number of years he bred bulls and won an All-Ireland short-horn championship in Elphin.
He was a member of the IFA.
'Tug-0'War' was another great love. In the early years he was a member of the well-known 'Chapel Street' team from Keash which travelled to competitions at many venues. When the sport was revived locally in 1990, Tommy was central to getting youngsters involved.
He was also known for his vocal support from the sidelines and was highly regarded as a great team leader. GAA remained close to his heart. He was Treasurer of the former Keash club. He was also deeply involved in organising the annual Garland Sunday seven-a-side club competitions.
These were held in his own field in the 1960's.
Tommy was central to the Eastern Harps fund raising drive in the early 1980's to support the club's pitch development. He was an active member of Fianna Fail in the past. He also enjoyed his game of cards and '25' in particular. Tommy's first was passed away in 1981. He took over the running of Keash Post Office in 1985 following the death of his mother.
He married Bemadette Leyden in 1986. Tommy continued to serve as Postmaster until his retirement in 2002. He was deeply involved with Keash Community Development and helped in the provision of community housing in conjunction with Sligo County Council. Tommy passed away after a brave battle with cancer on January 12th. He was aged 72.
He is survived by his wife, Bemadette; sons Rickie, Tom, Conor, George and Joe; daughter, Bemadette; daughters-in-law, grandchildren, relatives and family friends.
Funeral Mass took place in St. Kevin's Church, Keash, with burial in Knockbrack Cemetery.

Courtesy of The Sligo Champion Tweet

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