“A dedicated family man, a dedicated public representative and a man of strong faith”
The late Tom Callaghan.
Former Fine Gael councillor Tom Callaghan was “a dedicated family man, a dedicated public representative and a man of strong faith”, his Funeral Mass was told today, Friday.
Mr Callaghan was laid to rest in Rathmoyle cemetery following 11 o’clock Funeral Mass this morning at St. Paul's Church, Kilmurray.
Fr. Liam Devine, chief celebrant of the funeral mass, said the former Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council was a “dedicated family man, a dedicated public representative and a man of strong faith”.
Fr Devine said that the presence of the Aide De Comp Joe Glennon in the church, representing the Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, was an indication of how well respected and appreciated Mr Callaghan was at the highest level of the party.
“Many of the tributes were from across the political divide because Tom had no enemies, only friends and admirers. We thank Tom for his service to the community in Kilmurray and in our own county,” said the priest.
Speaking to the congregation, his son, sitting councillor Liam Callaghan, reflected on words his father often used: “He used to say if you can leave a place better than you find it, a person happier than you found them, a community better than it was and a job better done than when you started, you had a good day’s work done.”
"I think Tom did all that and a lot more. We’re very proud of him," he said.
During the Mass, gifts were brought to the altar symbolising Tom Callaghan's love for family, community, learning, music, entertainment, animals and his role as a public representative.
“He was the heart of the home, supportive, proud and present. Family meant everything to him and his love will always be remembered,” said Aishling, one of his granddaughters, during the bringing of the gifts to the altar.
Predeceased by his wife Kathleen (Katie), his son, Gerry and daughter-in-law Nuala, he is survived by his daughters, Aileen and Eithne; sons, Ollie and Cllr Liam Callaghan; sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchild, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends.
Mr Callaghan was first elected to Roscommon County Council for Fine Gael in 1979. He lost out on a seat in the 1985 local elections but regained the seat in 1991.
A former Cathaoirleach of the council, Mr Callaghan bowed out of politics in 1999. He served as a member of the Roscommon Vocational Education Committee and the River Suck Drainage Committee.
