It is with great sadness that we heard our dear friend Tommy Gibbons tragically passed away last weekend. Tom was a fisherman, postman and ferryman but above all else, he was a gentleman. Always on hand to help a friend, he's been a right-hand man to many people, both on and off the sea.For us, Tom was Westport, and Westport was Tom. Whenever we were in town he'd travel in from InisLyre for a pint or two, and sure, maybe a small one to round off the night. He was such a regular in Glenans on Collanmore, Dave and gang had a chair and plaque put up in the corner, especially for him. It was many an evening I found myself enjoying a 'chat' with Tom, that no-one, including either of us, could understand. We just laughed, and laughed... and laughed. T, you will be greatly missed.
The Irish Times: July 9th 2009
A flotilla accompanies the remains, in the small white boat helmed by his brother Joachim, of former Island postman Tommy Gibbons from his island home on Inish Lyre on Clew Bay, Co Mayo to his final rest, 8th July. Photo: David Baird.
