Dunlavin’s Tom O’Neill had an unwavering love for family and a passion for agriculture
The late Tom O'Neill.
THERE was shock and sadness in Dunlavin and surrounding areas on the sudden and unexpected death of Tom O’ Neill of Logatryna on May 9.
Born in 1944, he was a native of Hackettstown. Co Carlow.
Tom moved to Dunlavin in the early sixties and farmed in Logatryna. He was predeceased by his wife Catherine (McIntyre) from Banagher, Co Offaly.
Tom and Catherine had three children, Thomas, Gemma and Bernadette. Sadly Bernadette died a baby in 1987.
Tom was an integral part of rural life in Dunlavin and west Wicklow and had a keen interest in agricultural machinery and had a passion for donkeys and ponies. He loved to meet people and always had time for a chat and a cuppa.
Tom had three grandchildren – Jack, Billy and Holly – and they brought him great joy and he regularly attended football matches to watch them play.
At his funeral mass held in St Nicholas of Myra Church in Dunlavin, his daughter Gemma gave a beautiful eulogy outlining Tom’s love of family and agriculture.
The huge crowd attending the wake, funeral mass and burial were testament to the high esteem and popularity for which Tom was regarded by the community.
He is survived by his son Thomas and daughter Gemma, partner Ann, Thomas’ partner Lindsey, brother Davy and wife Elizabeth, as well as grandchildren Jack, Billy and Holly. Tom’s brothers and sisters-in-law to Catherine, relatives, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends also mourn his death.
Tom was laid to rest in Dunlavin Cemetery alongside his wife Catherine and daughter Bernadette.
RIP Tom.
