Ballinagh, Lacken and Cavan GAA communities mourn sad death of Thomas Moore

There was great regret in the community upon the heartbreaking news on the passing of Thomas Moore, Main Street, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, on Wednesday, March 13, surrounded by his loving family in the care of the medical staff of St Anne’s Ward Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.

Sadly missed by his loving wife and best friend Caroline, son Thomas Jnr, his adoring parents Tom and Kathleen, and his sisters Joanne (Shane), Lorraine and Karen, parents-in-law Gerry and Bernie, brother-in-law Pauric, sisters-in-law Noelle and Fiona, nephew Rían and godchild Lottie, aunts, uncles, cousins and his large circle of close friends.  

Thomas's remains reposed at Lakelands Funeral Home, Dublin Road, Cavan, on Saturday last, March 16 from 4pm until 8pm. Requiem Mass was on Sunday (St Patrick's Day) at 2pm in St Felim's Church Ballinagh, followed by interment afterwards in St Michael's Cemetery, Potahee. 

Ballinagh GAA and the wider Ballinagh, Lacken and Cavan GAA communities are in mourning at the sad death of Thomas Moore.

Thomas' passing has left a deep void in the community that will be difficult to fill.

He represented both his club and county with extreme pride winning all there is to win at club level in Cavan with Ballinagh, including two Intermediate championships, an Ulster championship and the Senior championship in 2013 and also a Junior All Ireland medal with Cavan.

One of his proudest moments was when he captained the 2020 Intermediate championship winning side.

He has coached at every single level in Ballinagh from U6s, the whole way up to U20s, he has served on committees, ran fundraisers and was always on hand to help at any event that was being run. He epitomised what it meant to be a clubman. 

Football may be how he was best known, however that's not just all who he was, he was so much more than that, he was a husband, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle and a friend. The epitome of a gentleman, whose infectious joyous, caring and giving personality meant he was loved by all that came across his path.

He may have been proud of his football achievements but the two things that filled him with the greatest pride and joy were his amazing wife Caroline and his beautiful son Tom. 

Thomas was selfless and brave, literally once putting himself in extreme danger in order to save others without a moment's hesitation.

His bravery was magnified within the last 12 months, a 12 months that challenged him and those around him, but a challenge he took in his stride, and it was Thomas' bravery, selflessness and upbeat attitude that left everyone around him able to cope and to keep fighting.

It is a measure of the person he was that he did it all with the same cheeky smile and nonchalant attitude he has always had. His determination was such that if he saw an obstacle, rather than go over it, he went straight through it. His toughness and mental resilience was unmatched. 

Thomas will be sorely missed but he will never ever be forgotten. Some people look to movie stars, to musicians and to athletes for their heroes, however, quite often, the real heroes are right in front of you. Thomas Moore was one of them. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Donations in lieu, if desired, to CUAN Cancer Support Services. May Thomas Rest in Peace.