Brosnan, Tom
January 27, 2011The late Tom Brosnan
1961-2011
There was great sadness all around when the news came through that Tom Brosnan, Inchabee, Farranfore had died.
His untimely death at the age of 49 occurred at home on Monday January 10 in the loving care of his wife Eileen, children Padraig, Marie, Orla and Niall, sister Eileen, brothers Paddy, Ned, John, Jeremiah and his wider family.
He was born Thomas Gerard on November 6, 1961 the fifth child of Jerry andMary Brosnan. He went to Currow NS and later to St Patrick's Secondary School and the Vocational School in Castleisland.
Heartbroken at the sudden death of his mother when he was only 16 and again less than a year later when his father died, Tom left school and set about running the farm at Inchabee which has been in the family since the early 1800's.
He was the fifth generation to run the farm and was initially helped by his two uncles, Patsy and Dick. For Tom, this was a time of extremely hard work and little financial reward but he loved this way of life.
Tom worked long hours to develop the farm, on part of which Kerry County Airport is now constructed. He planned the farm buildings down to the smallest detail and with the help of his brothers did most of the work themselves.
Tom was gifted. He had a wealth of knowledge about all things practical and he could turn his hand to anything. If there was a problem. Tom could solve it and if he couldn't, he would go off and think about it until he found a solution.
He was always there to lend a hand to anyone who needed it.
Tom joined Firies Macra n Feirme and had great craic going to meetings, competitions, field evenings and other social events. It was here he met the love of his life, Eileen O'Shea.
They were married in 1992, and settled in the newly renovated original family home which had been built in the 1830's. They lived happily there for 18 years and were especially blessed when their four children Padraig, Marie, Orla and Niall were born.
Tom always put his family first and supported them in everything they did. He was a great father and teacher who has left his children with wonderful happy memories and lessons which will help them in the years ahead.
He loved all his nieces and nephews but had a particularly special bond with his nephew Jerry at whose wedding next May he was to be groomsman.
He touched the lives of so many people- he was such a likeable, honest person. While he gave the impression of being quiet, he had a wicked sense of humour, loved lively conversation and played many a trick on his unsuspecting relatives.
He was always fit and active, playing football for Currow in his younger days, and later basketball, squash and badminton. He loved watching football, hurling and rugby. In recent years he took up hill walking completing all the Kerry Way and several mountain climbs, including Carrantuohill.
He was very interested in current affairs and news, and loved to call to Currow at night after his work was done, to catch up on all that had happened that day and to have a joke and a laugh. He was a Currow man through and through, and was so proud of all his parish's achievements.
At the end of May last Tom and his family got the devastating news that everyone dreads. He was diagnosed with cancer - pancreatic cancer in his case.
The manner in which he dealt with his illness inspired all who knew him.
He was incredibly positive, without self-pity or bitterness. He continued to work for as long as it was possible and when he could no longer, he kept interested in every thing right up to the day he died.
The period of his illness was a rollercoaster ride with ups and downs but he took it all in his stride. He and Eileen went to New York for treatment and though it held out great hope, alas it was not to be but it did give him extra time.
He got his strength from and was happiest at home in Inchabee where he was surrounded with love and care. He was so lucky that he only had to spend two nights away in hospital in all the seven and a half months since he was first diagnosed. His tremendous faith also came to the fore during this period. He and the family were so grateful for all the prayers, masses and devotions said for him and all the cards and good wishes they received.
They were touched by the wonderful support they got from their families, friends, neighbours, work colleagues and many others who helped him.
His last few weeks were particularly difficult but he bore it all quietly with patience and dignity. As he grew weaker, he had the strength of character to say goodbye to those he so dearly loved and to plan for his family's future without him. He was an inspiration to all.
On Monday night, January 10, he drew his last breath surrounded by his family.
Tom was waked in O'Connor's Funeral Home in Firies on Wednesday evening January 12, where for over four and a half hours the family were over whelmed by the constant stream of mourners who came to pay their respects.
Guards of honour were provided by Macra, Currow GAA club, Bord na nOg, ladies Football, and St Bridgits Basketball club.
His concelebrated Funeral mass the next day in the church of the immaculate Conception, Currow was attended by hundreds - this time the guard of honour was provided by his children's school friends.
His coffin was shouldered by his family, neighbours and friends all the way from the church to St. Michael's Cemetery, Killeentierna. Here, he was laid to rest to the singing of his favourite song "The Old Dromulton Road".
May his gentle soul rest now in peace.
Courtesy of The Kerryman 27/1/11 Tweet
