by Tommy McGowan Death, Obituary – Thomas (Tommy) McGowan, a beloved figure in the Ballyshannon community, has recently died away. Yesterday, on Sunday, Tommy died away at Sligo University Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing. There is a propensity to abuse the term “legend” when describing someone of distinction in a local community; yet, this characterization is more than appropriate for Tommy, who was a great man in so many ways and was well recognized. My recollections of Tommy include seeing him in several games of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), both locally and on the county and national levels.
I also remember his love for greyhounds and racing greyhounds, and I have no doubt that his friends will have many wonderful memories of great excursions to a variety of sporting events. I have no doubt that his friends will miss him very much. Tommy was a devoted supporter of Aodh Ruadh and Donegal. He was a lifelong club member and a former committee member of the Aodh Ruadh GAA club. Tommy was also a strong supporter of the various efforts that have been made over the years to advance the club. He attended club and county games on a consistent basis as a spectator.
Because of his job as a podiatrist for the NWHB/HSE and his passion for a variety of sports, he was well-known all across the country. His face was recognizable to thousands of people all around the north west and further afield. I was told that Tommy would have also worked as a podiatrist in the north, specifically in Omagh, in addition to other locations.
Domhnall Mc Loughlin, a former assistant manager at what was then Sligo General Hospital and a good friend of Tommy’s who would have been in his company at many a major sporting occasion, paid tribute to Tommy on RIP.ie this morning.
In his post, Domhnall underlined the geographic spread of affection and respect for Tommy by writing, “Tommy was a regular supporter at the Showgrounds, Finn Park and other football stadia in Ireland and beyond When he worked for the Northwest Hospital and Health Services, he was known for being a helpful and thorough podiatrist. His parents, Phil and Elizabeth, passed away before he was born. His wife, Maura, and their three children, Deirdre (Justin), Sinead (John), and Nuala, will never forget their husband and father (Glenn). His grandchildren Cora, Rory, Robyn, and Luke all have a great deal of affection for him.
