The late Thomas Carolan

At the time of his death, on February 2 of this year, the late Thomas Joseph (Tommy) Carolan, was 89 years of age, and his death, at Newbrook Nursing Home came peacefully.An ex-Army man, Mr. Carolan was an R.Q.M.S. with the 4th Field Artillery Regiment, having started his army career at the age of just 16.Although a native of Co. Cork, his army career saw him spend time in different parts of the country, but it was in Mullingar - his wife Kitty's native town - that he spent the longest portion of his life.His army career brought Mr. Carolan abroad, and he undertook two stints of duty with the United Nations in Cyprus. His contribution to the work of the UN was recognised at his funeral when the UN flag was displayed, along with the Tricolour, on his coffin.Mr. Carolan was a keen golfer, and enjoyed greatly his rounds at Mullingar Golf Club - delighting for a long time in his success in once securing a hole-in-one on 3rd green.He was also a keen reader, and was a devoted family man.Mr. Carolan is survived by his wife Kitty, and by his sons, Eamonn (Mayo), Tom (The Downs) and Gerry (Wales); his daughers, Eileen (London), and Anne (London). He was predeceased by a daugher, June, who died in childhood.Mr. Carolan is also survived by his brother Jimmy, who lives at O'Growney Drive in Mullingar; by a sister Mary, who lives in Kildare; by his daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.The removal was from Gilsenan's Funeral Home to the Cathedral of Christ the King where the remains were greeted by Fr. Paul Crosbie. Also in attendance at the removal was Mr. Carolan's brother-in-law, Fr. Eamonn Butler. Fr. Crosbie was chief celebrant at the concelebrated funeral Mass at the Cathedral on Thursday February 4.At the funeral, a guard of honour was staged by the Army, and his military career was honoured by former colleagues and serving defence force members.The remains were interred at Ballyglass Cemetery.