There was a profound sense of loss in the north Carlow area at the death on Saturday 28 January of Tom Bolger, Ballybit, Rathvilly.
Aged 63, Tom died at home and had been suffering from motor neuron disease (MND), which he battled with great dignity and reconcilation. A man of deep faith, he made it clear that death harboured no fear for him.
Tom passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.

He farmed at Ballybit - first as a dairy farmer and then concentrating on sheep production. For the past ten years, he combined farming with being a salesman for Agri-Lloyd, work he greatly enjoyed as it brought him into contact with so many people in the farming industry.
Tom Bolger was deeply involved with Rathvilly GFC, playing with the club in his younger days.

A dedicated clubman, he was closely identified with the juvenile section, of which he was chairman for a number of years, while also serving at minor and U21 levels. His son Tony - a captain in the Irish Army - is a stalwart of the Rathvilly senior team at half-back and is a current Carlow senior footballer.
The Bolger family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care accorded to Tom by Dr Ola Hardiman, Beaumont Hospital, the country's leading MND specialist, as well as the medical care of Dr John Phelan, Rathvilly, local district nurse Therese Byrne and the team of carers who tended Tom at home during his illness.

Tom was waked at home over the weekend, before his remains were removed to St Patrick's Church, Rathvilly on Monday afternoon, 30 January for his funeral Mass, which was celebrated by Fr Michael Kelly, Adm, Rathvilly.
A guard of honour was formed by members of Rathvilly GFC from the club grounds to the church and the club's green and gold ersey was placed on the coffin, along with a photo of Tom.

Readings at Mass were by Tom's son Ronan and daughter Laura, while son Peter recited the Prayers of the Faithful. The Offertory gifts were brought to the altar by his son Tony and sister Ann.
The hymns were sung by Michael Campbell, Newbridge, while Liam Murphy, Rathvilly sang the Responsorial Psalm.
Son Tony paid a fitting tribute to his dad in a eulogy at the end of Mass.
Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.

One of those who carried Tom to his final resting place was Lar Kelly, a football colleague from their playing days. Fr Kelly recited the final prayers at the graveside.
Tom Bolger is survived by his wife, the former Pauline Marlborough from Quin, Co Clare, children Peter (San Francisco), Tony (Ballybit), Laura Vance (Kilbride) and Ronan (Britain), by his sister Ann Callinan (Kilkenny), grandchild Robbie, by nephews, nieces, other relatives, kind neighbours and many friends.

Tom, who was son of the late Tony and Sile (nee McHale) was predeceased by his brothers Patrick and Richard Bolger.
The huge attendance at the removal, funeral Mass and interment was reflective of the popularity enjoyed by Tom Bolger.
A minute's silence to his memory was observed before the Carlow - DIT Walsh Shield senior hurling semi-final at Dr Cullen Park on Sunday 30 January and prior to the Tullow-Clane Provincial Towns' cup rugby tie at Blackgates on the same afternoon.
All three Bolger sons played rugby for Tullow- Ronan having represented Leinster at under-20 level.

- Courtesy of Carlow Nationalist, 7th February 2012 Tweet

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