'The life and soul of the parish' - Tributes paid to former Longford soldier
Funeral Mass for Thomas ‘Cool T’ Mc Carthy will take place tomorrow Friday August 7 at 12 noon in St Mary’s Church, Lanesboro, with burial afterwards in Clonbonny Cemetery.
Tributes have been paid to a former member of the defence forces, Thomas ‘Cool T’ Mc Carthy, who sadly passed away last Tuesday.
Family, friends, former colleagues and members of the Lanesboro community and beyond fondly remembered him as “an absolute gentleman” who had a talent for teaching people how to play the spoons.
Mr McCarthy, who lived on Longford Road, and formally The Green, Lanesboro, was described by one local as “the life and soul of the parish.”
She wrote, “Lanesborough has lost one of its finest characters. You were the life and soul of the parish. Never a day went by without meeting you, saying hello, having a chat, laughing about something that happened in Joe’s! Heaven has gained an absolute gentleman. We will miss you Cool T. Sleep well me aul friend.”
Many described the beloved ‘Cool T’ as one of Lanesboro’s great characters.
Others praised his kind nature, remembering him as a lovely, friendly man “with a heart of gold, always up for a bit of craic and banter”, and who will be sorely missed.
Describing him as “a local legend”, one local added, “I'll very much miss your friendly wit, our great local music sessions and our great percussionist! Rest in Peace Cool T, no doubt you'll be entertaining above.”
Former colleagues also paid their condolences with one writing, “Cool was a brilliant character, I had the pleasure of serving with him in the 4th cav squadron Longford. A great guy he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. So Cool, from all of us here over in the ( West Bank ), rest in peace buddy.”
Also remembered with great fondness throughout the tributes was his love of playing the spoons.
One person wrote, “Saddened to hear of Cool T passing, he was always such a gentleman, and so good with all the young people in the village teaching them how to play the spoons. Many fond memories of him.”
Among the many heartfelt tributes was one that captured best of all the affection held by so many for 'Cool T'.
It read, “Deepest sympathy and sincere condolences the family and very friends on the passing of this truly wonderful character. Never short of a witty retort, he loved his game of cards and a good film. He was immensely proud of his life in the Defence Forces and the people with whom he served. Always a delight to meet and chat. His passing will be mourned by so many. God bless him and may the best bed on Heaven be his rest.”