Athlone area mourns sad passing of Tommy, ‘one of life’s gentlemen’

Another strong link with the much-loved Franciscan Friary in Athlone was broken with the news of the passing of one of its true stalwarts and hugely-popular Athlone native, Tommy Connaughton.

A lifelong member of the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) and a man of deep faith, he passed away peacefully at St Luke's Hospital in Rathgar after a short illness on Wednesday, October 25 last.

Tommy was a familiar figure in the Franciscan Friary where he tended to the shrubs and flowers in the grounds of the Friary and ensured they were looking pristine all year round, but particularly during the summer months.

Although he lived in Dublin for over four decades, he never lost his love for his native Athlone and he was delighted to return to his roots 16 years ago where he made his home at Rose Cottage on Griffith Street with his beloved wife Bonnie (nee Scally).

On his return to Athlone, the late Tommy Connaughton immersed himself in many aspects of life in the town and was very much a community man. He gave of his time and his talents to many local organisations and liked to help the less fortunate members of society in any way he could. He was chairman and a very active member of the Griffith Street Residents Group and was also involved with Athlone Meals on Wheels for a number of years. He also loved to spend time in the local library in the town.

Known as a man of strong faith, he was a member of the Order of the Knights of St. Columbanus as well as being in the Secular Franciscan Order, but he wore his faith lightly and was blessed with a positive outlook on life and a great sense of humour.

In recent years, Tommy liked to spend time sitting on one of the benches at The Strand where he took time out to reflect on his long life. He loved nothing better than to chat with passers-by as they went about their daily business, and he was often joined on his daily outing by his great friend and another Athlone stalwart, the inimitable Ray Collins.

Paying tribute to his lifelong friend this week, Ray described Tommy Connaughton as “one of life's gentleman” and said he will be “greatly missed” by all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him in life.

“He had a lovely gentle way about him and a great sense of humour,” said Ray Collins. “And he had a lovely way of talking to people and engaging with them, he was great company and we were great buddies.”

The late Tommy Connaughton was predeceased by his brother Owen and nephew Tony and will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Bonnie, son Niall, daughters Sinéad and Sorcha, sister Betty (Burke), brothers Michael and Jim, his adoring grandchildren, extended family members, relatives, and his many friends.

He was laid to rest in Drum Cemetery on Friday, October 27 last, following Requiem Mass in St Anthony's Franciscan Friary.

May he rest in peace.