A life well-lived has come to an end, and we find ourselves reflecting on the legacy of Tom Clarke, a beloved figure from the Midwest Radio community. Tom's passing has left a void, but his memory will forever be cherished by those whose lives he touched.
Tom, a resident of Upper Mace, Claremorris, has left us too soon, predeceased by his loving parents, Eileen and Ned, and his precious grandchild, Baby Eve Clarke. His absence will be deeply felt by his devoted wife, Kathleen, and their children: Declan, Eimear, Linda, and Imelda. The family's circle of love extends to daughter-in-law Patricia and sons-in-law Martin and Daniel, as well as Tom's cherished grandchildren: Rachel, Cian, Sophie, Maeve, and Aoife.
Beyond his immediate family, Tom's impact resonated with his brothers Paddy (Cork), Billy (Ballykinave), Eddie, and David (Leface), as well as his sister Carol Murphy (Facefield) and Mary O'Carroll (Corcullen). The support network also includes brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, a multitude of nieces and nephews, cousins, and an extensive network of friends, neighbors, and colleagues from the National Ambulance Service.
As we bid farewell to Tom, we find solace in the knowledge that he now rests in peace. His funeral arrangements have been thoughtfully planned, with a public viewing scheduled for Tuesday, December 9th, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Gilligan's Funeral Home, Market Square, Claremorris (F12YP4). The funeral cortege will then proceed to the Church of Our Lady, Barnacarroll, on Wednesday, December 10th, for a Requiem Mass at 1 pm, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
For those unable to attend in person, Tom's Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/live/hV1j_IbqrIY, allowing friends and family from near and far to pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Laura Lynn (https://www.lauralynn.ie/donate), a cause close to Tom's heart.
As we navigate this difficult time, let us remember the joy and love Tom brought into our lives. His memory will continue to inspire and comfort us.
And this is the part most people miss: Tom's passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. It's a controversial perspective, but one that encourages us to live fully and appreciate the little things. What are your thoughts on this? Feel free to share your reflections and memories of Tom in the comments below.
