Sportsman and teacher who touched the hearts of many

OBITUARY: Thomas Farrell, Trim

A dark cloud of sadness and disbelief descended on the town of Trim on Saturday 14th August when news of the sudden and untimely death of Thomas Farrell emerged.

Thomas, Tom, Tommy, Farrell, or 'T-Bone' as he could be known by his wide variety of family and friends, was born on 18th October 1988 to Bridie and Noel Farrell, the youngest of their seven children. He grew up in Griffin Park, a place that provided a childhood filled with many adventures, sporting competitiveness and a unique sense of comrade, borne from a supportive neighbourhood which cultivated childhood friendships which he maintained throughout his life.

He enjoyed his time in school in St Michael’s Primary School and Boyne Community School where he completed his Junior and Leaving certificates. Always highly intelligent he excelled in the subjects he had the most interest in, history, English and PE. His thirst for knowledge, love of the written word and his talent for sport continued into his adult years.

His love and talent for sport had started at a young age. Playing hurling and soccer in “the park”, helped him achieve many sporting accolades throughout his life, which brought great joy and pride to his family. He was part of the Trim GAA U14’s hurling team that won the All-Ireland Feile Championships in 2002 and the U16 County championship in 2003, winning Hurler of the Year in 2004. He continued to play hurling for Trim and played in the senior hurling final in 2018. He was thrilled to finally see Trim win the senior championship this year. Thomas also played soccer with Trim Celtic, winning the golden boot in 2015 for top scorer and was part of the team that won the NEFL Premier Divison in 2015/16. In most recent years he found a passion for kickboxing, a much-loved member of Black Dragon Kickboxing family. His commitment to training and the various disciplines required to succeed in the ring was a source of great pride for his mentors and fellow club members.

Thomas went on to study after secondary school, unsure of what he wanted to do, he was driven by what interested him. He completed many third level courses, sports therapy, criminology and social studies and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). During this time, Thomas worked as a barman in many of the well know establishments in Trim. Ambitious and hardworking, he tried his hand at various disciplines across different sectors, hospitality, sport, building work and insurance. Unapologetically Thomas’s motivation was never monetary but rather a sense of fulfilment and passion and was never afraid to try anything in pursuit of this.

Tom loved to travel. He spent six months in Australia and visited various locations across Europe in his twenties with his friends. However, it was always a dream of his to help underprivileged children and he talked about this from a young age. Although a tough guy at the best of times, he was sensitive and was always a champion for the underdog. He bravely made this dream a reality in 2016 when he went to Vietnam to teach English to the children there. Known as 'Teacher Tom' he relished in this new life changing experience and was humbled by their ability to smile when facing such adversity. He came home to help care for his sick dad Noel with a new appreciation and gratitude for the important things in his life, his family, and his friends.

Tom has so many friends, genuine friendships he treasured throughout his life. He loved his social life, going to festivals, dancing, and playing his decks, listening to music, his favourite Bob Marley, celebrating weddings, birthdays, and christenings, he was always the life and soul of the party. With his infectious smile, confidence and self-proclaimed “best looking man in Trim”, he could light up any room. But it was his secret integrity, his charisma, his unique ability to make you feel like you were the only one in the room that touched the hearts of so many. He felt things deeply and had a sixth sense if someone was down or needed a listening ear or friendly advice.

Although Tom relished the company of others, he also got solitude in his own company and had a secret talent for poetry. He wrote poems about his friends and the family that he adored. He wrote about the injustices of the world, racism, unnecessary wars, homelessness and was an advocate for the importance of mental health and dementia.

Thomas took great care of his dad Noel during his battle with dementia until his passing three years ago. He adored his mother, Bridie, who he affectionately called “Ma”. A mother/son relationship full of love, support and friendship that knew no bounds.

Been the youngest in a large family he had a unique relationship with each of his siblings, all so very proud of the talented, fearless, and genuine young man he became. Closer in age to youngest sister Moll, described as two peas in a pod, always up to devilment, they had a bond like no other.

He adored all his nieces and nephews and was proud to watch the eldest grow into aspiring young adults. He loved to show off his sporting talents to the younger nieces and nephews and took great joy from their sporting achievements. He had a unique bond with his youngest nephew, Finn who is autistic. Although non-verbal they shared an understanding of each other that was fascinating to witness and a relationship that Thomas cherished.

As evident in outpouring of tributes for Thomas following his untimely passing, there’s no doubt he touched many people during his short life, his loss felt far and wide and will be for a long time to come. Always an advocate for the importance of Mental Health he would want all that knew and loved him to look after themselves during this difficult time. Mind your mind, for Tom.

Thomas is predeceased by his Dad Noel in 2018. He is survived by his mother Bridie; brothers, Noel, Frank, and Martin (Bopper); sisters, Teresa, Ellen, and Moll; brothers-in-law, Johnny, Joe, and Mark; sister-in-law Sarah; nephews Kian, Ben, Thomas, Jason, Cormac, Noah, Kieran, and Finn; Nieces, Emily, Leá, Ellie, Erin and Skye. Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and his large family of friends.

The funeral mass was celebrated by Fr. Warren Collier at St Patrick’s Church Trim, followed by burial in St Lomans Cemetery.

'Mind your Mind for Tom'

A group of friends are raising funds for Sosad Ireland in memory of their friend Thomas Farrell. On Sunday 17th October (the weekend of Thomas’ birthday on 18th October) they are going to walk as a group of friends in Thomas’ memory and hope to raise some much needed funds for Sosad to help those who need the help to see the light.

Their main aim is to never let what happened to Thomas be in vain and hopefully raise some awareness with those who need to hear it.

Organiser Noelle Smyth says: "Thomas was no short of a legend and touched everyone that he knew soulfully. This year on his first birthday away from home as we won't be able to celebrate with him we are going to do it for him.

"On Sunday 17th October, we are going to walk as a group of friends in his memory and hope to raise some much needed funds for Sosad to help those who need the help to see the light. Our main aim is to never let what happened to Thomas be in vain and hopefully this will raise some awareness to those who need to hear it.

"So instead of buying Tom a pint this year on his birthday we would ask anybody that would like to, to donate to this worthy cause."

Since 2007, Sosad has worked to raise awareness and help prevent suicide in Ireland offering support and services for people who are struggling with suicidal ideation, self-harming, depression, bereavement, stress and anxiety, or if you simply need to talk. Sosad has six offices, based in Cavan, Louth, Meath and Monaghan from which they provide services.

All donations and awareness is greatly appreciated - https://www.gofundme.com/f/mind-your-mind-for-tom