Out-and-out family man Tommy was affable and highly-respected in Quay area

TOMMY Watters Snr., who died peacefully at his home at Saint Clement’s Park, Dundalk, on 7 March, 2017, was just a month short of celebrating his 100th birthday which would have fallen on 9 April next, the date of his Month’s Mind Mass.

Tommy was a quiet man with a natural smile, affable and highly-respected within the Quay area of the town and further afield and was one of Dundalk’s last cobblers.

He was an out-and-out family man, whose love and care of his wife, family and extended family, was all that counted, and he was happiest among them.

Sport, in which he had an all-round interest, was a big part of his life, and he possessed a prodigious memory for events and those who took part in different activities.

His outlook was simple and wise and as a template was perhaps responsible for his long life.

Born during the First World War, he lived through the Second World War and all the troubles in his own country, from the War of Independence right through all the conflicts in the North.

Tragically, these events impinged on his family, in the car bomb explosion which occurred in Crowe Street on 19 December, 1975, and claimed the life of his brother, Hugh, one of two victims.

From Kilkerley, Tommy was the second eldest of four siblings, comprising one sister, Mary and a brother Oliver, all of whom predeceased him. He also was sadly predeceased by his son, Noel and wife, Kathleen (nee Brennan), who hailed from the Point Road.

He started work as a 16-year-old, and worked throughout his career as a cobbler, and was employed in a number of places, most notably Grannells, Bridge Street and also for himself.

He retired in his late 60s having survived a quite serious health issue earlier in his 60s.

However, on the whole, he enjoyed a very healthy life, primarily sustained by his dedication to and love of his wife and family, and the next generations of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tommy had a big passion for sport, with a long and loyal attachment to Sean O’Mahony’s GFC. He played a very active part in the club, and was absolutely thrilled to live to see the green-and-golds lift the Joe Ward Cup, which fulfilled a life-long wish. The cup occupied pride of place during his wake and funeral Mass.

He served as a committee member when O’Mahony’s won the junior championship in 1973. He filled the role of gate man at home games.

He also was a keen follower of Quay Celtic, with whom his sons and grandsons played, as well as lining out with Sean O’Mahony’s.

His passing is deeply regretted by his loving family, sons, Joe, Pat and Tommy, daughters, Kathleen Hughes and Marie O’Neill, sons-inlaw, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends.

After reposing at his residence at Saint Clement’s Park on Wednesday and Thursday, Tommy’s remains were taken on Friday morning to Saint Joseph’s Redemptorist Church.

Father Brendan Callinan CSsR celebrated Requiem Mass and gave the eulogy.

Gifts symbolising Tommy’s life were laid before the altar at the start of Mass by his great-grandchildren, Ryan, Jack, Lauren, Anna- Grace and Luke, along with grand-daughter, Alison.

The Readings were given by grandchildren, Caroline and Brian, while the Prayers of the Faithful were led by grandchildren, Noel, Mark, Fiona, Catherine and great-grandchildren, Tommy and Mark.

The Offertory Gifts were taken up by son, Joe and grand-daughter, Karen.

Daughter-in-law, Ann read after Communion the “Prayer for the Old” which Tommy said every night.

The music was provided by daughter-in-law, Bernadette and organist, Olivia Finnegan.

Burial took place in St Patrick’s Cemetery.

Month’s Mind Mass is on Sunday, April 9 at 12.30pm in Saint Joseph’s Redemptorist Church.