Paramedic looking forward to playing more music following retirement from Tipperary University Hospital
Tom Strappe bows out after 27 years service
A Tipperary man will have more time to indulge in his favourite pastime of playing music following his retirement from the ambulance service.
Tom Strappe recently retired after 27 years working as a paramedic from the ambulance base at Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel.
His retirement has signalled the end of a long and fulfilling working career that began with the Defence Forces.
Originally from Drangan, Tom served as a driver in the transport section, starting with the 4th Battalion in Cork before being transferred to Clonmel in 1986.
During his service he completed two tours of duty with the Irish army as part of the United Nations forces in the Lebanon.
As he bade farewell to his colleagues in the ambulance service, Tom said he had very much enjoyed his time there.
“There was always great camaraderie among everyone and it was a great place to work,” he says.
Tom plays the bodhrán with a traditional music group that divides its time between performing in Bakers in Clonmel and The Monks Pub (O’Gorman’s) in Thurles each week.
He says that with so much more free time on his hands, he’s looking forward to devoting even more time to playing music.
Tom Strappe is wished a long and happy retirement.