Galway native becomes Honorary Life Member of Thurles Musical Society

Thurles Musical Society was thrilled to bestow Honorary Life Membership on Tuam native Tom Noone during the very successful run of Big Fish in the Premier Hall recently.

Tom was introduced to the packed venue by Chairperson Éidin Sweeney, who outlined the major contribution he made to the Society going back many decades.

Having featured on stage in many productions, Tom also served on committee, front of the house, produced the programme for a number of years, which earned him award nominations from the Association of Irish Musical Society, and was a major supporter of the Society at all times.

Tom was also a member of the Cathedral Choir in Thurles, and the links between the two groups remain as strong as ever -memories of a trip to Rome to perform for Pope John Paul II were recalled by many of those who attended.

The production of Big Fish was an outstanding success, and that Friday evening performance was especially significant with

Tom present with members of his family to accept his award.

It was an emotional moment for Tom, who enjoyed many great days in the company of his late wife Mary in TMS.

Mary had also been centrally involved in the Society for many years.

And, Tom spoke with great affection about all the good times enjoyed in the presence of so many friends, old and new, down through the years.

The TMS family was a very important part of his life, he said, and he enjoyed every moment of his time involved.

The regard in which Tom is held in the Society and in the community was expressed exquisitely in the sustained applause which greeted the news of his induction into the ranks of Honorary Life Member.

It was a delightful moment shared after a delightful show, which had audiences on their feet in appreciation at the end of the production.

Tom Noone joins Derek O’Connell, Alice Hogan, Mary Guilfoyle, Danny Carroll, Pierce Murphy, Brigid Keane, Antóin Ó Briain, Mary Butler and Kathleen Feehan as Honorary Life Members of Thurles Musical Society

It is a fitting recognition for someone who contributed so much, not just to the Society, but also to his adoptive community at large.

CAPTION:Front: Noel Dundon (vice-chairperson, TMS), Tom Noone, Eidín Sweeney (chairperson TMS), Fiona Noone O’Keeffe

Back: John Hayes (Treasurer TMS), Kate Noone, Ronan O’Keeffe, Sinéad O’Keeffe, Libby Noone