Funeral has taken place of popular Ballyshannon podiatrist Tommy McGowan

The funeral took place this morning of Thomas (Tommy) McGowan of Portnason, Ballyshannon at St Joseph's Church, The Rock, Ballyshannon.

He passed to his eternal reward in Sligo University Hospital on Sunday, surrounded by his caring family.

Tommy was a fierce loyal supporter of Aodh Ruadh GAA club and Donegal and was one of the most likable people that you could ever meet in the Erne town. He was full of chat and was a fountain of knowledge, which he was happy to share with his many, many friends that he got to make over the decades.

He was also a life-long club member and past committee member of Aodh Ruadh GAA club and was hugely supportive of various efforts to progress the club over the years. He was also a very regular supporter at club and county games.
He was known across the country, his love of various sports and his work as a podiatrist for the NWHB/HSE, making him a familiar face to thousands of people across the north west and beyond.
Tommy also worked as a podiatrist in the North, in Omagh and elsewhere, and again many people will remember him from his time there.

Sports columnist with the Donegal Post, Pauric McShea reflected on Tommy’s passion for all things sport.

“Tommy loved all sports and for many years was the owner of some exceptional greyhounds and he was a regular at Lifford for many years where his dogs achieved many notable successes. 

“He also spent many weekends in Glasgow supporting Celtic, but his love of Gaelic Games was fostered in the De La Salle College, in Ballyshannon. 

"A great supporter of his club, he was also a permanent fixture at every St.Josephs (Ballyshannon/Bundoran) game no matter what part of the county or province the team played in.

"An excellent chiropodist he was held in the highest esteem by both his private patients and those under his care when holding a senior position with the North Western Health Board. 

Among the other tributes to Tommy on RIP.ie, was one from a Dromahair, County Leitrim writer, Domhnall McLoughlin, a former assistant manager at what was then Sligo General Hospital, and a good friend of Tommy’s who would have been in his company at many a major sporting occasion.
Domhnall underlined the geographic spread of affection and respect for Tommy when he wrote: “Tommy was a regular supporter at the Showgrounds, Finn Park and other football stadia in Ireland and beyond.
“As an employee of the NWHB/HSE he was an obliging and efficient Podiatrist.”

Predeceased by his parents Phil and Elizabeth. Tommy will be forever remembered by his wife, Maura, daughters Deirdre (Justin), Sinead (John) and Nuala (Glenn). Much loved by his grandchildren Cora, Rory, Robyn and Luke to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

Following Funeral Mass at St Joseph's Church, The Rock, Ballyshannon, cremation takes place at Lakelands Crematorium, Dublin Road, Cavan.