The sense of loss and sadness that was felt by so many following the news of the passing on Monday of young Tom Lynch at the age of 12 says much about the profoud effect that Tom had on all he met.

A wonderful young man who bravely faced so many battles, he was a constant presence at GAA games throughout Meath and further afield.

It was rare that somebody didn't know Tom on his travels and he got the warmest of welcomes at grounds all around the county and further afield. With a fantastic knowledge of sport and a love of Meath, Ballinlough and Manchester City, Tom was the best of company. 

A move of premises meant that Tom was a regular visitor to our office in recent months. What fun we had with him, as he told those from other clubs and counties, as well as those who didn't support City, his opinions on their teams. 

Our deepest sympathies to Derek, Nikki, Charlie, Lucy and Tom's family and friends. Rest easy young man.

The following is a tribute from Ballinlough GFC to Tom Lynch

I’ve committed pen to paper far more times than I’d like, to speak about and remember loved ones from our community who have sadly passed on, but none of them have come closer to breaking my heart than this one.

Tom Lynch was no ordinary little boy. He was the shining light in our club and community, a young man who faced adversity throughout his 12 short years of life, but he overcame each battle in the same way, with his loving parents and siblings by his side, and a smile on his face.

Tom was born with a rare condition called Hypotonia and Global Development Delay(GDD), and while the diagnosis may have limited his abilities, it never dented his spirit and he learned to not only live, but to thrive, despite the hand that life dealt him.

From a young age we knew Tom was special, and everyone wanted to be a part of his journey to support and love him like he was our own.

When Fundraisers were launched to help fund Tom’s dream of walking, the community came out in their droves to support Tom’s family both financially and emotionally, with over €200,000 raised over the years to assist him with his needs.

Facing further setbacks, sadly Tom’s dream of walking never became a reality, but he learned to live life a different way and when he got his motorized wheelchair, well there was literally no stopping him go…and by did he go!

From football pitches the length and breadth of the county, Tom could always be seen, and often heard shouting in a few choice words of encouragement for his beloved Ballinlough.

He acted as Club Mascot on more than one occasion, before progressing to even loftier heights as he followed the Meath Senior Footballers around the country. These trips led to many many photo opportunities, with inter-county stars and GAA personalities from all over, all wanting their photo taken with our Tom.

Through his love of the game Tom amassed quite the collection of GAA jerseys over the years, and as a sign of how respected and loved he was by all, opposition clubs would often make great effort to give Tom a jersey from their stock to add to his ever expanding pile… he even managed to snag one off a Referee once, Keith Sheerin more than happy to hand his over despite Tom perhaps turning the air blue on occasion when a decision didn’t go our way!

Football was central to Tom’s life, and he was central to a lot of good we did here at the club. He received his own winners medal when our U-14 team won their Championship in 2019, and he was on hand to present the Cup to our U-15 team on behalf of Brian Kelly and the Meath Minor Committee in 2022.

He even had Managerial experience in his locker, regularly giving us his opinion on the game, and served as a massive inspiration for his Kilskyre N.S colleagues when they won their Schools Cup last year.

Every victory the club enjoyed Tom was there and there are countless photos of a beaming Tom grasping onto Cups and Shields that were won over the years.

Away from Ballinlough, Tom had the honour of being Team Mascot for the Ireland soccer team, the Ireland rugby team and probably in Tom’s eyes, his greatest day came when he acted as Mascot for his cherished Man City side in the Premier League, how proud we all were to see Tom up on the big screen with Pep and the lads, he didn’t look an inch out of place.

A short time spent with us but so much life packed into those 12 sweet years, and these memories and mementos will serve as great reminders in time, of how much this little boy was loved by all who were blessed to know him.

Tom’s passing has left a massive void in our hearts and Heaven has gained another Angel. Sleep easy now little man, we’ll never forget you.

Funeral Arrangements for Tom here: https://rip.ie/death-notice/tom-lynch-meath-kells-591361

 

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