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Death of London stalwart
 Tom
Nally born in Lissatava, Hollymount Co. Mayo on May 8, 1935 passed away
on September 7.
In his youth he was one of the finest handball and football players in
the area.
Like many from that era he emigrated to London in 1956 and lived in Crouch
End and Tottenham, north London for 45 years before returning to the community
of Aghamore, Co. Mayo in 2002.
He was quickly welcomed back into the community as if he had never left
and became a much-loved and respected figure in the area.
Sadly on September 7 he lost his fight against cancer. Following a memorable,
musical funeral Mass in Aghamore he was laid to rest alongside his father
James in Roundfort cemetery near Hollymount, Co. Mayo.
Together with his wife Kathleen he was heavily involved in the North London
branch of Comhaltas and the thriving Irish music scene during the late
’70s and early ’80s. Spending many an evening at the legendary
Favourite Pub just off the Hornsey Road that played host to some of the
finest traditional music sessions and indeed players of that era.
His son James, better known with his father’s original surname of
McNally, was a three-times All-Ireland button accordion champion before
going on to perform with such notable artists as Peter Gabriel, Ronan
Keating, Storm, Dingle Spike, The Pogues and Marxman to name but a few.
He is more widely known today through his work with the award-winning
and pioneering group Afro Celt Sound System that earned James several
Grammy nominations and awards as a music producer, composer and songwriter.
Tom’s daughter Kathy currently lives in Brunei where she has taken
up a post as head teacher at Hornbill School. Her outstanding achievements
in education have recently been honoured with an MBE.
He will be sadly missed by all those who loved him both in Britain and
Ireland. He is survived by his wife Mary Kathleen, daughter Kathy, son
James and grandsons James and Taidi. May he Rest in Peace. |
