Tommy’s brave battle will help others
Tommy Baldwin 1943 - 2020
Tommy Baldwin who died peacefully at his home in Jenkinstown, Dundalk on January 3rd was well known in business and sporting communities in town.
Tommy was diagnosed ten years ago with stage 4 melanoma and given only six months left to live. After receiving all of the regular cancer treatments Tommy’s outlook wasn’t looking good. His doctors asked if he would be willing to test a new cancer drug that was not yet available.
He was the perfect patient, with his extremely positive attitude and a strong belief that he would beat the cancer.
Within a year the cancer had gone into remission and Tommy was back on his feet ready to live a full life again. He was very proud of the fact that the medical papers that had been written about his recovery would go on to help others who were battling cancer.
The eldest son, and second in the family of six of William and Alice Baldwin, Tommy’s early years were spent in the family home in Jocelyn Street above the family drapery business run by his mother, Alice (nee Mulligan).
He attended St. Malachy’s N.S. and his secondary education was undertaken at Rockwell College in Tipperary where his sporting prowess came to the fore. His formal education was completed as an engineering student at Bolton Street Technological College.
On returning to Dundalk, Tommy joined his father’s plumbing and civil engineering firm, W.P. Baldwin, then engaged in a wide variety of private and local authority works in town, and in many parts of the country, such a reservoirs, sewerage plants and one of the major public works of its time, installing piped water to the entire Fanad peninsula in north Donegal.
From his initial involvement with the firm, Tommy’s innovative and business instincts were nurtured, and he got involved in installing the first micro bore central heating systems in town, and recognised a growing trend by opening the town’s first big bin company, operated from a yard off Chapel Street.
No job was ever a problem to Tommy, just a challenge, and when the firm he later operated with his brother, Billy was asked about the prospect of removing the redundant St. Alphonsus Road railway bridge he relished the test with typical zeal completing the work with the minimum of disruption.
The removal of the bridge opened a new land bank for housing, and provided the opportunity for the Baldwin brothers to build Belfry estate, a development of mixed housing units that has been widely acknowledged as one of the finest in town.
There followed another major housing development by the firm, Loughantara in Knockbridge.
Tommy’s natural sporting ability, allied to his physical strength and agility, which was evident in a number of sports from an early age, was honed on the playing fields of Rockwell, and when he returned to Dundalk on completion of his education, inevitably he was drawn to play with Dundalk Rugby club.
For over twenty years, until nearing 40, he played at all levels with the club, initially with the 1st’s, where he excelled as hooker, and uniquely for a forward, was the team’s place kicker because of his inherent footballing ability.
Inevitably, as with all kickers, the many Tommy converted from long distances and acute angles in vital matches were forgotten, and irritatingly for him, and the source of much good humoured banter with friends, the kick that he is best remembered for is the conversion that hit the crossbar from in front of the posts that would have advanced Dundalk to a Towns Cup final.
Never happier than when he was actively participating in sport, Tommy helped form with friends a soccer team, St. Kevin’s that played in local leagues, and was at the heart of a group of friends who formed a soccer team in the rugby club to occupy their energies during the close season in rugby.
He was a talented golfer, playing out of Greenore, where he won many notable prizes, extending that love of the game to a group of friends who accompanied him on trips to many parts of Ireland, and latterly to the Algarve, a location that Tommy grew to love.
It was a cause of great disappointment to Tommy that his illness seriously curtailed his active participation in sport, but not his determination to be involved, for he was a season ticket holder in Oriel Park, often defying advice to attend, and relishing the team’s success in recent seasons.
His family and friends were the most important thing to Tommy. He had a great interest in people and would never forget the name of a person that he had met and where they were from.
Tommy was devoted to his family, his wife of 52 years, Helen (nee Lennon), daughter, Aine Clynch, sons, Ian and Peter, and grandchildren, Muireann, Liadan, Brin, Tadhg and Clara, all of whom he adored.
Tommy is also survived by his brother, Billy (Jenkinstown), sisters, Mary Meredith (Kilkenny), Eileen Ryan (Mallow) and Catherine Arthur (Jenkinstown), son-in-law, Neil, and Peter’s fiancee, Laura as well as nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his sister, Breege and parents.
His death has left a void in the lives of many, for Tommy was a big man in every way, generous, a willing friend to anyone in trouble, and above all else a staunch Dundalk man, proud of his heritage and grateful for the small role he played.
He bore his illness with great fortitude, and stoicism, sustained by family and friends, and his strong faith, which was an inspiration to many.
Having reposed at his home, Tommy’s remains were taken to Church of Our Lady of the Wayside where Requiem Mass was celebrated by Very Rev. Stephen Duffy, P.P., assisted by Very Rev. Padraig Murphy.
The Readings were given by niece, Ruth Baldwin and brother-in-law, Bobby Arthur, and the Prayers of Intercession were led by his grandchildren, nephew and nieces.
The beautiful singing was provided by the church choir, with soloist, Tommy’s sister, Catherine.
The eulogy at the end of Mass was given by Tommy’s brother, Billy.
Burial took place in Calvary cemetery and the attendance at Tommy’s house, his Requiem Mass and interment reflected the high esteem in which Tommy was held, and the deep sympathy felt in his community in Jenkinstown and his home town at his passing.