Tom O’Shea was a devoted family man and proud teacher
THE people of Davidstown, Enniscorthy, and beyond were saddened recently to hear of the passing of Tom O’Shea, Dunsinane, who passed away on December 10.
Originally from the townland of Gallarus, in the heart of an Ghaeltacht in his beloved West Kerry, Tom moved to Wexford in 1956 having accepted a teaching position at the Christian Brothers National School in Enniscorthy.
Two years later he accepted the position of Principal of Davidstown National School and was from then on known by many locally as ‘ The Master’.
He was widely regarded as an excellent teacher and under his guidance, and with the support of his teaching colleagues, the school staff grew from three to seven teachers, with pupils travelling from far and wide to attend.
He also helped many students prepare for state and university exams. Tom was always very proud of all his past pupils and often mentioned his pride in their achievements [and] he delighted in catching up with their lives whenever they met.
However, there was so much more to Tom than teaching.
He was a scholar in Latin and Greek, modern and old Gaelic, an avid reader, a lover of literature and poetry - the writings of Patrick Kavanagh, James Joyce and Eoghan Rua Ó Súilleabháin amongst many others.
The son of a farmer, Tom loved gardening and successfully grew strawberries, various vegetables, and fruits for many years.
He also loved nature and enjoyed watching the subtle changing of the seasons.
A great community person, he was involved in the compilation and publication of local history books and was proud to be chosen as Senator during commemorations of the 1798 Rebellion.
Tom also helped out at many field days and was a member of the Davidstown Development Association for many years.
One of his proudest achievements was assisting in the broadcasting of Sunday Masses, as Gaeilge, on Radió na Gaeltachta from St David’s Church, Davidstown.
A longtime member of the local GAA club, while living in Enniscorthy Tom played club football with Saint Mary’s at senior level.
In 1959 he transferred to play with Davidstown- Courtnacuddy and was a member of their junior football team.
Over the years he guided the school football team to many wins in the Rackard league.
Tom was also secretary of the club as well as being a selector for a number of years.
He served as Irish officer on Wexford County Board from 2002 to 2006 and was honoured to be a member of the Seana Ghael.
Tom also loved the craic of the fortnightly GAA lotto draw in the Millennium Bar, where stories were told and there was always an opportunity to teach the cúpla focal.
He was also delighted when he was appointed President of the club a number of years ago.
Despite his many years in Wexford, Tom was always a proud Kerryman, especially when it came to football.
He had a keen knowledge of the game and loved heading up to Croke Park in September to see the men in green and gold strive for glory.
However, Tom’s first love was his family; it was during his first year in Davidstown that he met his beloved wife, Maura, whom he married in 1962.
They shared a long, happy marriage together and raised six children. He loved his wife dearly and together they offered every support to their children.
Tom had 15 grandchildren and loved his role as grandad. He delighted in telling them stories, following up on their school progress and sporting endeavours and became a provider of sweets and chocolate bars.
Tom had a real sense of devilment and a great sense of humour. He was also a great man to seek out if you needed advice.
Unfortunately, Tom became ill in the past year and required a stay in hospital.
He was delighted to return home where he was cared for by his family with the support of the HSE team and his past pupil and friend, Dr Philip Bowe.
Tom bore his ill health with dignity and the quiet, strong faith that had guided him through his life.
Tom’s contribution to education and community was evident in the large numbers who came to pay their respects at Browne’s Funeral Home and at the Requiem Mass.
Chief Celebrant was Tom’s cousin, Fr Tom O’ Shea OMI, along with con-celebrants Rev Jim Nolan PP, Rev Michael Byrne PP, Rev Tomás Kehoe CC and Rev Billy Caulfield CC, with music provided by Leslie Dunne.
Tom now joins his wife Maura, his parents John and Mary, and his brothers Pat and Seán in eternal life.
He is sadly missed by his children, Kathleen, John, Maureen, Tomás, Anne and Sheila, along with his brothers and sisters Cáit, Joe, Séamus and Máire, his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Tom O’Shea, husband, father, grandad, brother, uncle, master, footballer, Gaeilgeoir, historian, scholar, counsellor, Kerryman, friend, neighbour - we will all miss you and remember you always with affection and gratitude for a life well lived.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.