Death of Islandeady GAA stalwart evokes great sadness

The death has occurred of Tommie O'Brien, Dooleague, Islandeady, Castlebar.

He died peacefully at his beloved home after a long illness bravely fought, surrounded by his adoring family.

He will be forever missed by his devoted and heartbroken wife Nora, children John, Alan, Sinead, Barry, Niamh and Siobhan, brother Frank, grandchildren Aoife, Saoirse, Roisin, Aoibheann, Oisin, Patrick, Michaela, Paul, Ava, Hannah, Thomas, Emmet, Rhys, Luke, Amelie and Lucy, sons-in-law Mick, Eric and Martin, his daughters-in-law Rosemarie, Aedin and Margaret, nieces, nephews, extended family and his many friends, especially those in the GAA.

A tribute to the deceased on the Islandeady GAA Club Facebook page stated: "It is with profound sadness that Islandeady GAA and Islandeady LGFA learned of the death of our friend and loyal supporter Tommie O'Brien.

"Through the years Tommie served Islandeady GAA with pride and loyalty as a player, officer and manager.

"A knowledgeable man in many areas his passion was football and he knew everything about the game.

"Not alone could he tell you about Islandeady players but he knew every player on every team in the county.

"Islandeady GAA Club has no doubt that Tommie will join his friends that went before him and they will analysis every game from the formation of the GAA.

"He will be missed in and around the grounds of our pitch and his soft voice and gentle ways will not be replaced.

"Islandeady GAA extend deepest sympathies to the O'Brien family."

His remains will be reposing at his home on Wednesday for family and close friends only.

Funeral cortege will leave his home on Thursday at 2.15 p.m. to arrive to St. Patrick's Church, Islandeady, for Mass of the Resurrection at 3 p.m.

Burial takes afterwards at Islandeady Cemetery.

Due to HSE guidelines for Covid-19 Tommie’s Funeral Mass will be confined to family and close friends.

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated by the O’Brien family at this difficult time.

The bereaved family has extended a sincere and grateful thank you to all those who cared for Tommie in his final days, especially Dr. Joe Loftus, his dedicated carer and great friend Ann Roche, district nurse Rosemarie, and the amazing palliative care nurses, Siobhan, Conor and Miriam.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.