Losing someone unexpectedly is always a profound moment—an event that touches the core of our emotions and leaves us searching for the right words. And this is precisely the case with Tom Clarke from Midwest Radio, who recently passed away suddenly at his home in Upper Mace, Claremorris. But here’s where it gets controversial—death is inevitable, yet each loss feels uniquely personal, stirring a mix of grief, reflection, and even questions about life’s fragile nature.
Tom’s life was marked by beloved family members who predeceased him, including his parents, Eileen and Ned, and his cherished grandchild, Baby Eve Clarke. His absence will be deeply felt by those who loved him most—his wife Kathleen, his children Declan, Eimear, Linda, and Imelda, along with their spouses Patricia, Martin, and Daniel. His grandchildren—Rachel, Cian, Sophie, Maeve, and Aoife—will carry memories of their grandfather forever.
He is also survived by his brothers Paddy, Billy, Eddie, David, and Gerard, who lives in New York, as well as his sisters Carol Murphy and Mary O’Carroll. The extended family includes brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, and colleagues from the National Ambulance Service, all of whom will mourn his loss.
May he Rest In Peace.
In accordance with tradition, Tom’s remains will be available for viewing at Gilligan’s Funeral Home located in Market Square, Claremorris (F12YP4) on Tuesday, December 9th, from 6 pm until 8 pm. A funeral cortege will then escort him to the Church of Our Lady in Barnacarroll on Wednesday, December 10th, where the Requiem Mass will commence at 1 pm. Following the service, Tom will be laid to rest in the adjacent cemetery.
For those unable to attend in person, Tom’s Funeral Mass will be live-streamed here: https://www.youtube.com/live/hV1j_IbqrIY.
Family flowers are kindly declined; instead, donations can be made to Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice through the link: https://www.lauralynn.ie/donate.
Some might argue that funerals are deeply personal rituals, yet they also serve as a public acknowledgment of a life well-lived. Are we giving enough space for personal expression in these moments, or do formal traditions help us find closure? Feel free to share your thoughts or memories in the comments—your perspective adds richness to this ongoing conversation about life, loss, and remembrance.
