‘One of Ireland’s last tinsmiths’ laid to rest in Carrick
Following his Funeral Mass, Tom Stokes was brought by his family to his final resting place in St Mary’s Cemetery in a carriage drawn by four Irish Draught Horses. Pic: Gerry Faughnan
Tom Stokes from Carrick-on-Shannon, believed to have been one of the last remaining tinsmiths in Ireland, was laid to rest in Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday.
Apart from his renowned tinsmith skills, Mr Stokes was a very popular figure in the town and beyond.
The 88-year-old Traveller was laid to rest in St. Mary’s cemetery, Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday following 12 o’clock funeral mass at the local church.
He was brought to his final resting place in a carriage drawn by four Irish Draught Horses.
Many tributes have poured in since his passing. One sympathiser said: "Tom Stokes was a legend in our community, highly respected and always respectful, an absolute gentleman in every way. To day our society is so much the poorer for the passing of this true Carrick man. May his gracious soul rest in peace."
"Another of Carrick's finest characters has gone to meet his maker," said another.
Mr Stokes died peacefully surrounded by his family on June 9th at Sligo University Hospital. Predeceased by his beloved wife Mary and his dear walking partners Fr. Martin Mulvaney and Michael McNulty.
He will be sadly missed by his loving family, daughters Anne, Maggie, Bridget, Winnie, Mary, Kathleen, Lena, Eileen and Julia, sons Edward, Patrick, Tom, Martin, Willie, John, Michael, Brian, Tony and Bob, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, his adored grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren, sisters May, Maggie, Bridget and Kathleen, brother Willie, sister-in-law Winnie Mongan, brothers-in-law Michael Mongan, Ned Mongan, John Nevin and Tom McDonagh, nieces, nephews, neighbours and his many good friends.
