The late Tommy Comer Another link with the Irish War of Independence was severed when Tommy Comer, Ballintleva, Belclare passed away. Tommy, who was involved in the fight for Irish Freedom in the Belclare-Caherlistrane area, would have been 100 next November (2003). He passed away in Merlin Park Hospital and his funeral was from Burns Funeral Home. He was buried in Donaghpatrick cemetery. Last year he was guest of honour at the cutting of the cake to mark the150th anniversary of Sylane NS. Earlier this year Tommy met with President Mary McAleese during her visit to mark the 150th anniversary of his old national school. On that occasion President McAleese said it was remarkable to have somebody in the audience who had lived through almost 100 years and seen so many changes in his own area and in Ireland in general. Afterwards Tommy Comer spoke of some of the changes he had seen and he said that when he finished at Sylane school there were very few jobs in Ireland and most people had to head overseas to find work. Tommy was only a teenager when he became a volunteer in the War of Independence and he was present during the attack on the RIC barracks in Castlehackett in 1920. He also had vivid memories of the Black and Tans and the burning of Tuam town centre and he often spoke of several of his colleagues who were killed in action during the fight for Irish freedom. Tommy Comer later became a builder working on many projects around Co. Galway and he was also a farmer in his native Ballintleva. He was a keen follower of the GAA and witnessed his sons, grandsons and grand-daughters win many trophies and medals with Corofin and Galway. One of his grandsons is Galway All-Ireland Senior Football star Kieran Comer. Tommie Comer was predeceased by his wife Delia (formerly Nalty from Newvillage) in 1989. He is survived by his sons Patsy; Jimmy; Michael; Thomas; Gerard, his daughters Mary and Bernie, his sister Mrs Bridie Keane, daughters-in-law; sons-in-law; grandchildren, great-grand children and a large circle of other relatives and friends. Courtesy of the Tuam Herald July 2003 Tweet

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