Born in Derrylin, he was a son of Francis and Ellen Gilleece, Terraroe, and he attended Aughakillymaude Primary School. On leaving, he attended St. Michael’s Intermediate School after which he was a teacher until 1946 when he purchased the Regal Bar, Arney. He sold it in 1976.

    He retired in 1991 having spent the previous 15 years assisting in the running of the Silver Swallow public house at Drumawill. Tommy was a great conversationalist and had a keen interest in sport, especially Gaelic football and local darts.

    He gave generously to many deserving charities and he devoted much of his spare time to the Erne Hospital Elderly Patients Comfort Fund with which he was involved for 18 years.

    The removal of his remains to St. Michael’s Church was largely attended, as was his funeral Mass on Tuesday morning. The burial took place in Knockninny Cemetery.

    The Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Jim Moore, assisted by Fr. McKiernan, P.P., Derrylin; Fr. Comiskey, P.P., Kinawley and Fr. Victor, The Graan.

    During the Mass, hymns were beautifully rendered by Miss Louise Irvine, accompanied by Fr. Joe McGuinness, St. Michael’s College which included two of Tommy’s favourite hymns: “Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross”. Eilish O’Doherty was the flautist at the service.

    He is survived by his brothers Patrick and Willie; sisters Margaret McManus, Teresa O’Doherty and Mary McMurray and 16 nephews and nieces.