Tommy, who died following a long illness on October 24, was a well-known figure throughout the midlands and further afield for his work as a building contractor. One of nine children, he was born in June 1945 and developed an early interest in hurling. He won a Leinster U14 medal with Westmeath and represented Delvin in hurling, football and handball. 

As well as being an avid supporter of his local GAA club, Tommy was a keen golfer. He was a member of Mullingar and Delvin Castle Golf Clubs, and won the Mullingar Golf Club's prestigious Captain's Prize in 2001.