Tommywasa verytalented sportsman
TOMMY Kierans of Rosses Hollow, Castlebellingham was a former Divisional Manager in the Glen Dimplex electrical appliance group where he spent his entire working career, a period of 45 years.
He was well-known and highly-respected through his sporting prowess. He was a talented dual footballer in his younger days and an accomplished and consistent single handicap golfer for a large part of his 40 years as a member of the Dundalk club.
Above all, Tommy will be fondly remembered by his friends and those who knew him for his sunny, droll personality amplified by a beaming smile.
For Tommy, in his quiet, inimitable way, generated cheer and laughter which his wife and family will sadly miss and a lot more.
Son of the late Julia and Hugh Kierans, he was the second youngest of four sons, comprising,
Hugh, Patsy and Jimmy, and lived his entire life in
Castlebellingham.
Tommy and his younger brother Jimmy were raised by their aunt and uncle, Margaret and
George McGrory, when their mother passed away from TB at a young age.
They gained five more brothers and four sisters in the McGrory household on the Sea Road.
Growing up, Tommy went to school in Kilsaran and was well-known for being a very skilled footballer, playing Gaelic for O’Connell’s and soccer for Glyde Rovers, winning honours in both sports.
Later Tommy lined out for Lannleire GFC and the Louth junior team and won the Second Division Championship.
In his teens, he started work in the factory in Dunleer – AET as it was then – starting off on the factory floor.
He put himself through night school to study technical engineering and ascended to the role of Divisional Manager with Bi-Tec, part of the Glen Dimplex group.
Tommy retired with over 45 years of service and enjoyed those latter years with his wife, kids and grandkids.
He had a lifelong passion for golf and took every opportunity to play. A member of Dundalk Golf Club for over 40 years, he played off seven consistently for 28 years, winning many competitions.
In later years Tommy suffered multiple strokes, but he remained a patient and caring man who never complained and is an inspiration to all who knew him.
He passed away peacefully at Saint Peter’s Nursing Home, Castlebellingham on Friday, 19 October, 2018.
He is very sadly missed by his beloved wife, Molly (née Duffy); and children, Ciara, Cahail, Niamh and Fergal; grandchildren; brothers, Hugh, Patsy and Jimmy; the McGrory family, sons-inlaw, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Tommy was much loved by all his family, friends and neighbours and will be kindly remembered.