The passing of Thomas Shaughnessy of Cregmore who was in his ninetieth year brought fond memories tinged with sadness as the news of his passing spread through the community. Thomas was born in Caraune and after his marriage to Mary Cullinane in Turloughmore, the Couple set up a family base in Cregmore. Thomas Shaughnessy was a popular figure in the community and one that was loved by young and old alike. Thomas always had a word for everyone and his lively wit and his friendly nature made him hugely respected. In his younger years he became an accomplished hurler with Turloughmore and Galway. Thomas played with Cregmore, Cussane, St Vincent's and Turloughmore. During a long and distinguished hurling Career Thomas who played in goal became well known winning two Galway Junior Hurling Championships medals with St.Vincent's in 1949 and 1954 and a senior medal with Turloughmore in 1956. He played with Galway Junior hurling team from 1947 to 1954 winning two Connacht Junior medals in 1950 and 1953. Tommy Shaughnessy also played for An Tuaisceart and was also involved with many teams in a seven-a-side competitions. As a goalkeeper Thomas was regarded as one of the best and won huge respect around the country. Thomas continued to take great interest in the fortunes of Turloughmore Hurling club and it was with tremendous pride that he watched his son Tommy win several North Board medals and a county under 14 medal in 1966 and Michael play a leading role as goalkeeper when they captured the Galway and Connacht Championship senior titles in 1985. He was hugely delighted with the success that Michael went on to have in the All-Ireland Poc Fada competition on eight occasions, in 1984 Michael won with Cork's Just in McCarthy, in 1988 with Vincent Moore of Kildare, 1989 with John Conway of Kerry, 1991 with Tommy Quaid of Limerick, 1992 with Albert Kelly of Offaly. 1993 with Davy Fitzgerald of Clare, 1994 with Johnny Masterson of Meath and 1995 with Liam Shinners of Tipperary. For many Years Thomas rarely missed a match and in later years even when he couldn't attend his interest never waned. It was fitting the players from different ages along with members of Turloughmore Hurling Club joined in forming a guard of honour at his funeral on both days led by the legendary Pakie Burke and Paddy Fahy, both of whom had played alongside Thomas on several occasions. Thomas was a tremendous family person and he will be sadly missed within the Creggmore catchment area. He had retired from working in the construction industry and enjoyed gardening and family life where he had great devotion to his grand-children. As a neighbour he could be called on at any stage and was always helpful and obliging. The high esteem in which Thomas Shaughnessy and his family were held was evident with the huge attendance at his funeral. The remains of Thomas Shaughnessy were removed from Lackagh Mortuary Chapel to the Church of Our Lady of Knock, Lackagh. Following con-celebrated Requiem Mass, where Fr John Flannery, PP Lackagh was joined by Fr Tommie Mannion, Fr Michael Mannion, Fr Johnny Caulfield, Fr Martin Rabbitte and Fr Billy Collins, burial took place in Lackagh Cemetery. Thomas is survived by his wife Mary, sons, Tommy, Michael and Kevin , daughters, Marie Anne and Freda, brother, Michael, sister, Sr Theodore, grandchildren, in laws, nephews, nieces and a very large circle of relatives and friends. Tweet

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