Musicians pay poignant graveside tribute to former Meath footballer, Tom Duff

Musicians gathered to pay a poignant funeral farewell tribute to former Meath footballer, Tom Duff, who passed away peacefully at home last Saturday aged 91.

Tom was father of well-known country singer, Mary Duff and Mary took to social media after her father was laid to rest to share her heartfelt thanks "to all his friends and the talented musicians who played such beautiful music in his memory."

Tom was laid to rest in the Church of the Holy Cross, Lobinstown on Saturday (26th April)

"Your presence and performances filled the space with love and joy, reminding us all of how music was his passion and a vital part of who he was. Thank you for helping us celebrate his life in such a meaningful way. Rest in peace, Da. Your melody will forever live on in our hearts."

Tom had celebrated his 91st birthday earlier this month and was a well-known musician with the Tara Ceili Band.

Borrn on 3rd April 1934 to Fred and Brigid Duff (nee Califf of Rathbran) in Creevagh, Tom played at juvenile level with Syddan and in 1946 won a juvenile championship beating De La Salles of Navan, and later at minor level in 1952, with Dee Rangers-Syddan. He got a call-up to the Meath senior side in 1953, and was a member of the All-Ireland winning set-up of 1954, although he broke his leg in the Leinster final against Offaly, and missed out on the final. Mary has worn his medal on her music tours around the world. Tom played with the Meath senior team until the mid-1960s.

On the club front, he played for Syddan in the senior final in 1952. Syddan were crowned Meath champions again in 1956 against Skyrne, when he scored a goal in the first minute with his fist. He played club football until he was 47.

As an accordion player, Tom first played for a group called The Shamrock, and then The Tara Ceili band, popular nationally and in the UK. He also toured Ireland and England with his daughter Mary, and Anthony Price, with The Moonshiners, which was the beginning of Mary's career.

Pre-deceased by his parents Fred and Brigid (née Califf), wife Mary, and his brothers Shamie and Patsy.

Tommy will be very sadly missed by his daughters Mary and Anne, sons Jimmy, Eamon, Gerard, and Noel, grandchildren Gerard, Linsey, Wayne, Lauren, Nathan, Matthew, Joseph, Leanne, Emma, Sarah, and Rachel, great grandchildren Jack, Tommy, Grainne, and Joel, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, Lizzy, Jude, Paula, Joan, Tommy, and Paul, relatives, neighbours, and friends.