Tommy was a great character
THE SAD PASSING at the age of 80 of Tommy Meyler, a Wexford man proud of his roots in Maudlintown, has left a huge void in the many people’s lives he touched, including those of his immediate and extended family and many, many friends.
Tommy leaves behind his son Larry, who now lives in London, and daughter Teresa, and was predeceased by another daughter Hannah, both of whom grew up in the UK
Tommy was so happy to have Teresa back in his life after quite a few years absence. He also leaves behind his loving sisters Eileen, Winnie and Kathleen, and his brother Jimmy. He always thought of his late brothers Larry and Murty and late sisters Lily, Joan and Peggy with great love and loss.
His son Larry said his late father ‘ had in equal measures the kindest heart of any man and also the most rebellious soul.
‘He lived a very colourful life without caring what other people thought of him as long as they we're having fun, usually leaving a whirlwind behind him. To me he’ll always be the Del Boy of Wexford.’
Tommy came from the Meyler family of Maudlintown, part of a strong and vibrant community which has always pulled together.
He was very proud of the place he and Larry have always called home.
After moving round the town and living for many years in London, Tommy’s last days we’re spent looking out at the sea and boats from his apartment in Trinity Close.
He also loved London, and like many Irish spent years there on the sites.
With his brother Jimmy , Tommy built parts of that great city from the ground up, the two of them drinking it dry and sweeping the women off their feet.
But the only woman who swept Tommy off his feet, his one true love, was his wife Joan Meyler (nee Murphy), who was sadly taken from Tommy and Larry on November 4, 1985, aged just 47. It was an irreplaceable loss for both.
From that day, and even though many tried in the years to follow, no-one came close to taming his heart again, and he is now laid to rest with his wife.
Tommy’s passion in life was the sea, it ran through his veins, and he sailed all over the world as part of the Irish Merchant Navy, alongside his brother Larry, both passing through the ports of the globe like a drunken typhoon!
This passion took him everywhere from Australia to Mombasa, and he never lost his travelling heart, whether it be off to the continent on the lorries with his pal Mick Kersey or having a laugh in the cabaret bars of Benidorm with Eileen and Jimmy.
Tommy unfortunately suffered a major stroke back in November 2010, but after a short stint in rehab and with doctors telling him he needed to be in a home, Tommy - being Tommy, and with the help of his family, especially Larry and sister Eileen - defied the odds and lived independently up until ■ his death.
Although the stroke may have affected his speech and comprehension it did not diminish his infectious personality, and he still had the ability to make a room full of people crack up laughing, where ever he went. He still enjoyed a pint most days, never seeing any friend without a drink, and loving nothing more than having a laugh in the pub with his brilliant mates, and the ‘odd’ bet as well.
Tommy had a great spirit, and a face and personality Wexford will never forget, he brought laughter and kindness to the many lives he touched throughout his well lived life. His simple objective in life, to laugh, have a good time and make people smile, which he could do like no one else
Tommy Meyler, the comedian, the chancer, the ‘craytor’, the one and only, you will be missed like no other, but your one liners, your kindness, your rebel spirit and your heart of 24 carat gold will live on in the lives of all who love you forever.