There is sadness in the Timahoe community today with the news of the passing of Tom Joe Bradley. He was 83.
Though Tom Joe lived most of his life across the border in Athy, he retained a strong connection with his home place and his name is part of the local lore having captained the Timahoe footballers to their one and only senior football championship success in 1969.
He was as proud a Timahoe and Laois man as you’d meet but Athy did become his second home where he was very much a part of the local community for decades.
He was a member of the Athy Ambulance Service where his kind nature came to the fore, and also worked for in the famed Clancy’s Bar in the town, an establishment that had strong links back to Timahoe through its owner James Clancy and later his son Ger.
Tom Joe was a welcoming, engaging, presence behind the counter and an old school good-humoured bar man as well as a great story teller.
He was also a talented golfer and member of Athy Golf Club.
As well as captaining Timahoe to that senior success in 1969, he was the side’s chief marksman, a deadly free taker and a real nippy corner forward.
He also played in senior final losses in 1965 and 1968 and in their 1962 breakthrough intermediate success. Tom Joe also represented Laois at senior level.
Tom Joe is deeply regretted by his loving wife Marjorie, son Seán and his partner LaToya, daughter Catherine, grandchildren Jack, Sophia, Cian and Sam, relatives and friends.
Reposing at his daughter Catherine’s residence, 4 Ashville, Athy (R14 X998) on Thursday afternoon (September 25th) from 4pm until the conclusion of the Rosary at 8pm.
Removal at 1.30pm on Friday afternoon (September 26th) to arrive at St. Michael’s Parish Church, Athy for Requiem Mass at 2pm, see livestream link http://www.parishofathy.ie. Burial afterwards in Michael’s New Cemetery, Athy.
House private Friday morning please.
SEE ALSO – From the Archives – In Pictures: Timahoe GAA honour the men of 1969 in style
SEE ALSO – Dick Miller Interview: GAA, the Council and Timahoe – a lifetime of local service
