The recent sudden death of Mr Tom Redmond of Clonard at the age of 61, shocked and saddened his family and wide circle of friends.
Tom of 35 The Green, Clonard and formerly Ballymurn died at home on January 12 and though he had suffered from ill-health, his passing was very unexpected.
A son of the late James and Mary Redmond, he grew up at St. Joseph's Terrace, Ballymurn. His funeral Mass took place in Ballymurn and he was buried in the local cemetery.
Tom is survived by his children Derek, Teresa, Fiona, Pauline, Thomas, Mary and Seamus; 14 grandchildren, his brothers Pat and Jack, his sisters Maggie, Lily and Kathleen, his daughters-in-law; son-in-law, extended family and friends.
A man of stature, he stood at 6ft 6in tall and also had a big personality which included a talent for telling stories and making people laugh. He was kind-natured and good-humoured, even during illness.
He was enterprising, hardworking and good with his hands. In his early days, he made and sold hurleys and also collected and sold firewood.
About 18 years ago, he started his own business as a stone mason and worked on projects all over the country, building walls and entrances for private customers and local authorities. Tom's Opel van bought new in 2007 was very important to him. He called it his 'office'. He drove far and near to get stone and walked many fields to find it.
Following his death, his son Thomas has taken over the business on a part-time basis. An avid GAA follower, he travelled regularly to Croke Park, staying with his nephew Jimmy Redmond.
He was very proud of the fact that his nephew Mark Fanning of the Glynn/Barntown GAA club was selected for the Wexford minor hurling team. He was proud of his own children and would always speak glowingly about them.
He loved horse-racing and enjoyed a bet. He was a member of Wexford Racecourse but also travelled further afield with friends to attend race meetings. Tom was an outgoing, gregarious man who enjoyed a socialising in the company of friends. One of his haunts was Whitford House Hotel where he was well-known.
He was the kind of man who always had time for a cup of tea even when he was in a hurry. 'I can't stay because I have to be in such and such a place but stick on the kettle and I'll have a quick cup of tea," he would say before telling a story to entertain or cheer you up.
Tom will be sadly missed by his loving family and many friends.
- Wexford People, February 3, 2010 Tweet

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