Amazing grandad Tommy gets a wonderful send-off
By Maurice Garvey
TRIBUTES have poured in for former Irish Army Sergeant Tommy Woolhead, who passed away on October 4.
Mr Woolhead, a great-great-grandfather from Ballyfermot, was described by members at Clancy Barracks where he served, as “an utter legend and magnificent instrument technician”.
At the funeral service in St Matthew’s Church recently, the Irish Army gave a fitting send off for the former Drumfinn resident, providing a guard of honour outside the church and carrying his coffin draped in the Irish tricolour.
A statement by Clancy Barracks read: “It’s with a heavy heart to bring the sad news that another dear life-long friend and Ballyfermot man, Tommy Woolhead, has sadly died. Thoughts are with all the family. An utter legend from the military fraternity and magnificent instrument technician.
“A fond farewell to a former colleague and friend, as members of Ordnance bring Tommy Woolhead to his place of rest, to be once again united with his beloved Patsy, may they both have eternal peace.”
Family, friends and colleagues posted many messages of support for Tommy, who reared 10 children.
Fran White said: “A beautiful tribute for my grandad, thank you so much to the soldiers for the send-off. He deserved it. I’ll miss him terribly. It was an honour to call you grandad.”
Alva White McCalmount called it a “beautiful send-off for my amazing grandad, the army done you proud. We will carry that in our hearts forever.”
The notice on RIP.ie reads:
Thomas Woolhead, beloved husband of the late Patricia, loving da of Tommy, Patsy, Violet, Millus, Phyllis, Jimmy, Dorothy, Rinnie, Carol and Bernie. Sadly missed by his daughters, sons, 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, brother, sisters, extended family, neighbours and friends.
