Funeral details announced after death of local soccer 'legend'

Funeral details have been announced for TP Hickey, who was best known for his longstanding involvement in soccer in the Mount Temple area. 

The Baylin resident died yesterday (Thursday), surrounded by his family, at Portiuncula hospital in Ballinasloe. 

He was closely associated with the Temple Villa AFC, and in a message on Facebook today the club expressed its devastation at his passing. 

"No words can describe how devastated we are to lose our very own legend. He enriched the lives of all he met. He was, is, and always will be Mr Temple Villa," said the club. 

He will be reposing at Flynn’s Funeral Home in Moate this Sunday from 3pm, concluding with prayers at 6.30pm. Removal will then take place on Monday to Corpus Christi Church, Mount Temple, where the funeral Mass will be held at 11am. 

TP's years of commitment to Temple Villa resulted in the club's pitch in Mount Temple being named TP Hickey Park. He was also honoured with a Westmeath Independent Sports Star Hall of Fame award in 2008.  

TP also played football for Caulry GAA for many years and was part of the team which won the club's first Westmeath intermediate championship title in 1969.

In addition, he was involved in music over the years and was part of a band which played support to Phil Lynott's Thin Lizzy in the Crescent Ballroom in Athlone. 

He launched a CD of his own songs, entitled "The Forgotten Hero" in Egan's, Mount Temple, in 2016. All of the proceeds from sales of the CD went to Temple Villa. 

TP Hickey is survived by his heartbroken wife, Ita, children Claire, Brian, Louise and Lorna, brothers Shay and Michael, sister Mary, sons in law Alan and Mark, grandsons Eddie and James, aunt in law Agnes, brothers in law, sisters in law, dear cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends. 

May he rest in peace.