TomKehoewasanextremely intelligentandwellreadman
AN important part of the Kilmore, Tomhaggard and Mulrankin communities was lost on August 17 when Tom Kehoe of Tenacre sadly passed away after a short illness.
Tom was known for his great enthusiasm for life and involvement in the local community. He made sure to live his 72 years of life to their fullest.
Born in Tenacre on September 19, Tom was the only boy in a large family of girls. He loved his home and played a big part in his community from a young age.
Tom met the love of his life Mary Moran while she was holidaying in Wexford from her hometown of Cobh. It was love at first sight. The pair went on to marry in June 1970 and had six children – Niamh, Sinead, Aideen, Eamon, Cliona and Roisín. Tom loved them all dearly and always had a moment to help them with anything, no matter what time of day or how busy he was.
In later years, he became a sales rep for a veterinary company – a job that brought him much happiness and many friends. He moved on up the ranks and became Sales Manager for the Southeast Region. His job allowed him to fulfil his passion for travelling and he greatly enjoyed taking excursions around the country and across the water to England.
Though his job was quite full on, Tom always found time to indulge in his hobbies. He loved fishing and used to cast a line from many of the county’s beaches. In latter years, he would go to Kerry to fish. His family would often joke with him by saying he would catch bigger fish in the freezer but this only spurred ever-determined Tom on more. He would go on trips with his friends and also took part in fishing competitions locally and across the country. The local ones were his favourites as Father Danny told many a story about their various expeditions! Although the only family member who was allowed to travel on these trips was his Grandson Cian, he did appreciate his wife Mary’s important gesture of making the sandwiches for his trip!
Tom also had a great love for the GAA. He served as Secretary for Kilmore GAA Club, as well as Club PRO for many years. He was the club representative at County board level. Tom was extremely proud to see some of his children get involved in the club from a young age. However, later on in life, he had to come to terms with the fact that his sons in law and grandchildren were avid St Fintan’s players and supporters! Many of Tom’s friends were St Fintan’s supporters also and though there were ongoing jokes about club rivalry, he never let their different views come between them.
An extremely intelligent and well-read man, Tom was a fountain of knowledge. History was one of his passions and many people would come to him to hear stories of the past. Tom loved to travel around the country to visit old graveyards and castles. However, he was also extremely proud of his own local history. In 1972, he was heavily involved with the putting together of the very first Kilmore Parish Journal. He remained a key part of the journal for many years thereafter.
He also liked to record his own family’s history through the medium of photography. His family often had no choice but to pose for a photo when Tom was around. He later sorted these into albums which were all documented with dates and venues.
Tom’s pride in his community was evident through his involvement with Muintir na Tire. He sat on the organising community for Tomhaggard Carnival, much to the delight of his children. Every year, the whole family counted down the days until they could go to the carnival once more.
An avid Fianna Fail supporter, Tom canvassed with Tony Dempsey and Hugh Byrne on many occasions. As a good friend, Cllr Dempsey said a few words in Tom’s honour at his funeral.
Tom’s family are very grateful for the help of Ger Carthy and the Emergency Services, the staff at Wexford General Hospital, Father Jim Doyle, Father Denis Doyle, Father Danny Mc Donald, Father Jim Cogley and Father Hugh Byrne, the Tomhaggard Choir, musicians Tomas Corish and Brendan Wickham and singers Nicola Keane, Paula Keane and Mick Troy. They also are thankful for all of their wonderful neighbours and friends for their support.
A large crowd came to Tom’s funeral in St Anne and St James Church Tomhaggard, which was followed by his burial in The New Cemetery Kilmore.
Tom will be sorely missed by his wife Mary; children, Niamh, Sinead, Aideen, Eamon, Cliona and Roisin; sisters; sonsin-law; grandchildren, Aoife, Marty, Jacob, Shauna, Cian, Padhraic and Ellie; nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
May he rest in peace.