Millett, Tom
July 02, 2013Tom Millett, the popular Baltinglass solicitor, passed away unexpectedly on Friday 14 June.
He was born on 23 June 1920 in Borris, Co. Carlow, where his father Michael had a successful coach-building business. He received his early education in Borris National School, after which he attended Knockbeg College. Tom was very proud of the education he received in Knockbeg, which formed his lifelong love of literature, poetry, the classics and his Irish heritage.
Tom attended UCD and qualified as a solicitor in 1944. He served his apprenticeship with John Foley in Bagenalstown prior to opening his own practice in Baltinglass on 1 January 1945. The practice thrived and is now run by his daughter Carol, son-in-law Brian, grandson Brian M and his wife Marianne and Tom's son Michael.
Tom Millett was a much-loved and respected solicitor. Long after his retirement he continued the friendships he had formed during his years of practice.
Tom married Brigid Duffy of Hacketstown in 1947. She was his constant companion and best friend for more than 60 years, until her death in 2007. He was a great family man and had a wonderful relationship and bond with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Tom wrote two books of memoirs in his 80s, recalling his life growing up in pre-war Borris and the idyllic word of fishing, shooting and nature.
His life spanned an eventful time in Ireland's history. He lived through the Great Depression, World War II and the bleak years of the 1950s and 1960s before witnessing the rise and fall of the Celtic Tiger. He maintained a great interest in current affairs throughout his life.
Tom was a natural and gifted sportsman. He played minor football for Carlow and was a world-renowned fisherman. He was happiest when casting flies on his beloved Slaney and Barrow and in the west of Ireland on Lough Corrib and Lough Mask.
He had an incredible love of nature and wildlife. He could name every plant, flower, bird and tree. Nothing pleased him more than to have the first snowdrop, primrose and cowslip of the spring. His roses were the pride of his life and were cared for like babies.
Tom had a long and fulfilled life. He was active and involved right up to his death. His family acknowledge the great support he received from his medical team and, in particular, Dr John Holian from St. Vincent's Hospital, who gave Tom wonderful life-giving care in his final years.
Tom is survived by his son Michael, daughters Carol (Matthews), Laura (Walsh) and Clare (Brennan), nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Tom's remains were received in St. Joseph's Church, Baltinglass on Saturday 15 June by Fr Thomas Dillon, PP, Fr Seamus O'Neill, superior general of St. Patrick's Missionary Society, Fr Denis O'Rourke and Fr Gary Howley. His requiem Mass was concelebrated on Sunday by Fr Dillon, Mgr Brendan Byrne, Dominican priest Ambrose Farrington (Bolton Abbey), Fr Eddie Walsh, Fr Tom O'Connor, Fr Paddy Hagan and Fr Joe Spillane.
Tom's daughter-in-law Teresa, supported by the choir of St Joseph's Church and Sr Brigid Morgan, provided the beautiful music and singing at both Masses. The family appreciates the support of Sr Eileen Deegan and her work in preparing the liturgy.
Past and present Millett and Matthews staff, with careers spanning 50 years, formed a guard of honour at the funeral as a final tribute to Tom, who was laid to rest in Baltinglass cemetery, with Fr Dillon reciting the final prayers at the graveside.
Atque in perpetuum frater ave atque vale.
Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist . Tweet
