'Tom Gavin was an out-and-out gentleman': Sadness at passing of ex-superintendent in Limerick

A ROSCOMMON man who made Limerick his home and served its people in and out of a garda uniform has been fondly remembered having gone to his eternal reward.

Formerly of Four Roads, Co Roscommon, Mr Gavin entered Templemore Garda College in the late sixties. Following his attestation on April 16, 1969, he rose up through the garda ranks. He was promoted to sergeant in January 25, 1980; then inspector on November 17, 1989 and superintendent on June 16, 1994.

During his 39 year career Mr Gavin worked in Henry Street on three occasions for a total of 14 years and also served in Roxboro Road and Mayorstone Park in the city. Outside of Limerick city he served in Ballyfermot, Dublin and Tipperary Town.

But it was in County Limerick as Newcastle West Superintendent that he spent the longest duration. Mr Gavin was the 'Super' from October 17, 1995 until his retirement on February 10, 2008.

Minister for State Niall Collins said Mr Gavin was "highly respected" during his time as superintendent in Newcastle West.

"He was an excellent garda - tough when he rightly had to be but also very fair and genuine. You always knew where you stood with Tom. It was with sadness I heard of his passing and I would like to express my condolences to his wife Eithne and children," said Mr Collins.

Many gardai who worked with and under Mr Gavin have expressed their condolences on the obituary website, Rip.ie. 

One said: "He will always be remembered for his integrity, leadership abilities and his kindness to friends and colleagues."

Outside of family and An Garda Siochana, another great passion was sport.

Chairperson of Monaleen GAA Club, Caroline O'Kane said: "Tom was an out-and-out gentleman".

"He was a former chairperson of our Bord na nOg. His children and grandchildren play with the club. The whole family is deeply immersed in the club," said Ms O'Kane.

Up to quite recently, she said, Mr Gavin was still involved in the club's main fundraiser as a collector for the lotto. 

"He was a great friend to Monaleen GAA Club. He was much loved and respected by his many friends in the clubhouse. He will definitely be missed," said Ms O'Kane.

Former Monaleen GAA chairperson, Tom Crosse, said Mr Gavin was best described as "very honourable, honest and mild mannered.

"He was held in very high esteem in the parish of Monaleen and Castletroy. He had very strong links with Monaleen GAA Club - his son Muiris obviously as a former captain of Limerick but all the family have very strong links with the GAA club.

"Tom was also a very keen golfer and a member of Castletroy Golf Club. He was a great sportsman and a great family man," said Mr Crosse.

Requiem Mass takes place in Monaleen Church, Castletroy on Tuesday at noon with burial afterwards in Kilmurry Cemetery.

May he rest in peace.