Trim mourns passing of Thomas Winters
Inspirational young man Thomas Winters from Trim, who represented Ireland in Powerchair Football, has sadly died at the age of 25.
Thomas, a son of Niall and Ann Winters, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the age of three, but despite the challenges he faced through childhood and beyond, never let his condition define him.
He took up powerchair football in his mid teens, which made a huge difference to his life and saw him making many new friends and travelling to take part in competitions all over the world. He was very proud to achieve four caps for Ireland in the sport.
Thomas won a bronze medal in the European Powerchair Championships in Finland in 2019. He also took part in the World Cup for Powerchair football in Florida in 2017 with his team Midlands United.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a condition that sees muscles gradually weaken over time and Thomas went into a wheelchair just after his communion. He attended mainstream schools, St Michael’s, Trim and later the Boyne Community School and did very well. He went to college for four years in Cavan Institute of Education studying games computer design.
Thomas sadly passed away on Tuesday at home with his devoted family by his side. He was a truly inspirational young man who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
His death notice reads: "Tom a true warrior, will remain in the hearts of many, an extension of his Mam, Ann and Dad Niall, his siblings Lynn, Kelly, Niall, Marc, Leanne, Rachael and Aaron, his brothers in law Mick & Philly, sisters in law Avril, Sharon, Gemma and Taylor, nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles, cousins, extended family and neighbours.
"A special word of thanks to Dr Donnelly the Palliative Care Team, Beaumont Hospital, Fr Warren, Fr Paul and the people of Trim. To the Irish Power Soccer Team for memories, winning moments and the Four Irish Caps. Tom now plays with late Irish Team Mates and his love for soccer lives on through Man United Forever."
Thomas is reposing at his Manorlands home from 4pm to 8pm today (Thursday) with Funeral Mass tomorrow morning (Friday) at 11am in St Patrick’s Church, Trim, followed by burial in St Loman's Cemetery.