The Late Tommy Gleeson The unexpected death of Tommy Gleeson occurred following a short illness. Tommy was President of Drombane Fianna Fail Cumann for many ears. A truly great character, he served the party well. Tommy was always available at election time for canvassing, personating on election day, and to erect and remove posters. He always took a deep interest in the election count and would have attended the count centre as an observer some years back. Tommy was always on hand for the annual national collection with everything ready. He also helped organise many fundraising evenings on behalf of the party. Tommy was a great follower of the GAA, especially his native parish, and Tipperary. He was a former chairman of Upperchurch-Drombane GAA Club and sponsored some competitions a few years back. Tommy was very involved in the financing and building of the new hall in Drombane and was also caretaker for a time. Following the death of his late father, John, he took over as groundsman and caretaker of St. Mary's Church, Drombane and kept the lawns and surrounds in immaculate condition. After his late mother Josie's death,Tommy also took on the role of sacristan, and again his work inside the church was very obvious and often commented on. He was always on hand to ring the church bell at mass times, weddings or funerals. Tommy spent many of his earlier years in England but since his return home, He was active in community life in the village. A noted singer, he was always in demand at functions in the local hall or hostelry. He also had a talent for writing songs and his main claim to fame writing the ballad of the great hurling maestro, Jimmy Doyle. He helped organise the platform in Drombane in recent years. Tommy had been in poor health for some time but his passing came as a huge shock to the local community. There was a large turnout at his funeral and the huge Guard of Honour, jointly organised by he local GAA club, Fianna Fail, and Drombane Hall Committee, which accompanied his remains from Patsy's Cross to St Mary's Church showed how highly he was respected by all. Following internment in Killcalure Cemetery, Michael Ryan, chairman of Drombane FF paid a tribute to Tommy and the oration was delivered by Deputy Marie Hoctor TD. She concluded by giving a rendition of the beautiful ballad, "Slievenamon". Tommy, we will always miss you for the craic in the local lounge. We extend our deepest sympathy to his brother, sisters, nephews, relatives and his many friends. May his soul rest in peace. Tweet

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