Longford mourns death of dedicated family man and respected farmer Tom Armstrong

Sadly we record the passing of Tom Armstrong of Glanmore, Kenagh who passed to his eternal reward on January 29 in Mullingar Hospital after a relatively short illness.

Tom had just celebrated his eighty second birthday just a week before on January 21. Tom was a very well known and highly respected member of the farming community. In fact Tom gave his entire life to his farm almost to the time he died.

A dedicated man to his occupation he would be regarded as one of the best and most efficient farmers in county Longford. Tom was one of nature's gentlemen, very inoffensive, a very good neighbour always willing to share his time when the need arose.

Tom was a son of the late George and Kathleen Armstrong who also farmed at Glanmore. He was educated in Kenagh National School from where he attended the agricultural college in Gurteen, county Tipperary.

After his agri studies he began farming seriously in his late teens from which he gave his entire life as a very hard working highly productive farmer. During his early years farming he built up a very productive dairy herd of dairy cows. In later years he moved over to a suckler herd and a flock of pedigree sheep.

Tom was a noted judge of livestock where only the best would satisfy his sharp brain. No doubt he was a man of the land with a keen knowledge of modern farming techniques yet with an eye on his traditional heritage he inherited from a long family line who occupied the property for over two hundred years. He was fond of horses which was also a strong tradition on both sides of his family background.

Tom was a dedicated family man always there for his wife Marion and children. Easy going soft spoken upright and good living yet he could be very firm when making a bargain or doing business. He made very few mistakes. He was always very proud of the fact that he donated the Christmas tree to Kenagh village over the past dozen years. No doubt we will remember him as a good neighbour and life long friend.

An indication of his popularity was the very large crowd present at his lying in repose at Glennons funeral home and also at his funeral service in Saint George's Church, Kenagh on the following day. He was interred in Kilcommock cemetery after his funeral service.

We offer our sincere sympathy to his wife Marion, son David, daughters Glynis, Sandra and Naomi, sister Grace, his many grandchildren, sons in law, daughter in law, his extended family, friends and neighbours. He was predeceased by his sisters Joan Johnston and Eileen Gallagher.

A guard of honour was presented by members of IFA at his funeral service.