FITZPATRICK

FITZPATRICK (Tom) (Former Ceann Comhairle, Dáil Éireann) - Tom's wife Carmel, daughter Geraldine, son Tom, brother John and the extended family wish to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with them on their recent sad loss. Thanks to all who sent Mass Cards, sympathy cards, letters and those who telephoned. Thanks to all who called to the house, who attended the removal and funeral. Thanks to Col. Ray King who represented President Mary McAleese; to Minister of State Brendan Smith who represented the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern; to former Taoiseach, Garrett Fitzgerald; to the leader of Fine Gael, Enda Kenny; to Tom's former colleagues in Cabinet and in the Oireachtas, many of whom travelled very long distances to be with us. We extend our grateful appreciation to the doctors and staff of Cavan General Hospital, the staff of Esker Lodge Nursing Home, to Mrs Jameson and staff of College View Nursing Home and to Dr John Sullivan G.P. for their great care of Tom during his last illness. Thank you to Bishop Leo O'Reilly who kindly found time to call during a very busy week; to Fr Maurice McMorrow C.C., Monsignor Michael Cooke P.P., Fr John Gilhooly Adm., Fr Andrew Nugent O.S.B., Glenstal Abbey, and Fr Paul Lavelle P.P., Rathgar who concelebrated the funeral Mass; to the other priests of our Parish, Fr Kevin Fay C.C., Fr Andrew Tully C.C. and Fr Tom Mannion C.C. who attended Tom in hospital and in the nursing home, and who were so helpful to us; to Fr Gerry Kearns and Mrs Carmel O'Donoghue for the beautiful music, a very sincere thank you. A very grateful appreciation to the members of Fine Gael who provided a wonderful Guard of Honour on both days, and also to Cavan Drama Festival Committee for their Guard of Honour. No words can convey our appreciation of the great help given by the Garda Síochána at the house and on the funeral routes. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as a token of our appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Tom's Month's Mind Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral of SS. Patrick & Felim, Cavan, tomorrow (Saturday, November 4) at 12 noon.