The late Tomas Max Tomas was brought up on the Botharnamona road, the eldest of three children of Jim and Peggy Max, and devoted big brother to Mairead and Susan. He attended the Presentation and Scoil Ailbhe primary schools, before going to Gairm Scoil Mhuire, where his father Jim, was held in high esteem as a teacher. When he left a school in 1990, he continued his education and went on to study accountancy in Dublin. He loved to come home on weekends, and it was one one of these weekends home that he was introduced to his wife Fiona (nee Kelly) by his sister Mairead. They would meet on the 6.30 Friday train in Heuston station and it was on one of these trips, that he asked Fiona out the first time. They were married on July 2nd 1999, and I had the privilege of being their best man. They lived first in Dublin and then settled in Borrisoleigh. He and Fiona have two beautiful children, Aoife (7) and Sean (4). They were also expecting their third child when he was called from us. From a very young age he was given a love for the GAA his by father Jim, first playing for Durlas Og juvenile hurling and football club, and later for his beloved Thurles Sarsfields, a club steeped in Max tradition. Along with his devotion for the 'Sars' he also had a great affinity for Borrisoleigh GAA club, where he spent a lot of his spare time coaching the juvenile camogie team, a team his daughter Aoife was a member of. He also spent a lot of time in Semple Stadium. Whenever a game was played in the stadium, he was shoulder to shoulder with Jim, Peggy and the girls, and wife Fiona supplying guidance, and sandwiches to the stewards and other staff working for the big game. Tomas was also a very devoted Manchester United fan, and an avid golfer. Tomas worked for M&J Gleeson and sons, Borrisoleigh, for many years. There he was a very well liked and valued member of their workforce. Until his untimely passing, Tomas was a member of their accounting department. Tomas was a devoted husband, father, son and brother. More than this, he was a friend like no other. Since the first day I met him on the school yard of Scoil Ailbhe about twenty seven years ago, playing hurling for Durlas OG Juvenile GAA club, we have been firm friends. If we couldn't meet up, we were on the phone or emailing. Some friends you keep for a lifetime, and Tomas was one of those friends. To me, he was like a brother, one i'll never forget. To his broken hearted wife Fiona, his children Aoife and Sean (and his yet unborn child), his parents, Jim and Peggy, sisters Mairead and Susan, Parents in law, Anna and Tim Kelly, brothers in law Fergus O'Meara, Paddy Ryan, Tom, John and Phil Kelly, sisters in law, Carol Ryan and Marie Kelly, Eamon, his grandmother, Mrs Treacy and other family and friends. I can only offer my heartbroken condolences and hope with time they will find their pain eased. My dear friend Tomas, may the grass grow lightly above you, the sun always shine on your place of rest, and until we meet again, may the angels keep you safe. God's speed old friend, and in the words of D'unbelievables 'see ya soon butty.' Paul Barry - Tipperary Star 11th October 2008 Tweet

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