The Late Thomas Cahill There was great sadness in the local community when news broke of the death of Thomas (Tom) Cahill at the early age of 61 years. Tom's death took place in St. Brigid's Hospital, Carrick on Suir and came at the end of two years of a severe illness. Tom was born on The Square, in Mullinahone and lived there until moving to England where he married Bee Howe of Kilvemnon. Tom and Bee returned to neighbouring Grangemockler and took up residence there more than thirty years ago. Tom and Bee and their family quickly welded into the local community. Tom was always a well known sportsman. In his earlier days, he played football for Mullinahone and Tipperary. As a boy and young man, he was often to be seen walking (exercising) greyhounds around Mullinahone. He also became interested in horses. On his return from England to Grangemockler, he continued these interests. In 1977, he was a member of the Grangemockler team which won the South Tipperary Junior Football Championship. Prior to Christmas, this tea including Tom were speeially honoured by the Grangemockler Club. Tom worked as a fitter. He combined his work with his love of training horses which he took up officially in 1981. He later obtained a full trainers licence. His greatest success came about ten years ago, when Letterlee the horse trained by Tom Cahill won the valuable Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park. Letterlee is of course the name of the mythical village (Grangemockler) written about by Joseph Brady (pen-name) in The Big Sycamore. Tom continued his early interest in Greyhounds and remained an owner for most of his life. He also enjoyed a social game of cards. Having reposed in Kilvemnon and Bretts Funeral Home, Mullinahone, Toms rernains were removed to St. Marys Church, Grangemockler. His funeral cortege was escorted to the end of the village by members of Mullinahone GAA Club many of whom had played with Tom in his younger days. When the cortege arrived in Grangemockler, it was escorted to the Church by members of Grangemockler GAA. The coffin was carried by members of the 1977 team, who had played with Tom. The Clergy who attended Toms funeral obsequies were Fr. Cunningham P.P. Ballyneale, Fr. Gear C.C. Grangemockler and Fr. McGrath P.P. Mullinahone. At his Funeral Mass, the readings, the offertory prayers, the presentation of gifts completed by Toms immediate and extended family members. Items presented which told the story of Toms relatively short life were, his racing colours, a gaelic football, a copy of The Irish Field and a deck of Cards a fine resume of Toms life was given by John, Walsh on behalf of the people of Grangemockler Parish and the surrounding community. Toms popularity was attested to by the large numbers who attended the reposal the removal of the remains and his funeral Mass and burial which took place in the graveyard adjoining St. Marys Church. We extend our sympathy to Tom's wife Bee, to his sons Brian, Mark and Paul, his grand-daughter Roisin and his brothers Paddy (Cork City) Francis, Seamus and Bernie (United Kingdom). We further extend our,sympathy to Toms extended family including aunts, uncle, nieces, nephews, sisters in laws, and all. May the soul of Tom Cahill rest in peace as the gates of Heaven open to an Irish sportsman. Courtesy of the Tipperary Star 29 March 2008 Tweet

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