Moving tributes paid to 'Boyle of Clonmel' as Tipperary loses a beloved son

A dear son of Rare Clonmel, Ted Boyle, a three-time former Mayor, was laid to rest on Monday.
There was a sense of profound sadness at the loss of a passionate advocate of the town, a loveable character who had a friendly salute and a word for everyone on the streets of Clonmel and far beyond.

His company was always welcomed by people of his beloved Clonmel and Tipperary and much sought out on his travels to twin towns in Italy, France, Austria and America where he would extend his hand in friendship with the introduction “Boyle of Clonmel” in his own unique style.

Beautiful and moving tributes were paid to Ted Boyle by his daughter Grainne at the funeral Mass on Monday and by the Mayor Cllr Michael Murphy, members and officials of Clonmel Borough Council, Oireachtas members, friends from the Clonmel Town Twinning group, former Mayors and elected representatives at a special meeting at Clonmel Town Hall.
Ted, from College Avenue, Clonmel, died at St Anthony’s Unit, Clonmel in the presence of his loving family. He was a member of Clonmel Corporation from 1980-2004, having been co-opted in 1980.

He was elected as Mayor in 1983, 1986 and 1996, and was elected to South Tipperary County Council in 1991 to represent the five-seat Clonmel Electoral Area.

Outside of politics, he was actively involved in the community. He was the current Chairperson of the Clonmel Bianconi Twinning Committee and played a very active role in ensuring that Clonmel’s links with its twinned towns remained strong.
Ted is survived by his daughter Gráinne, grandsons Ciarán, Diarmuid and Fionn, sisters Breda (Canty) and Sheila (Grace), brother Donal, first cousin John (Kelly), Gráinne’s mother Carmel (Kiely), nephews, nieces, and extended family.
His daughter Grainne told mourners on Monday morning in SS Peter & Pauls that her father was so proud to serve the people of Clonmel for so long and always held the office of Mayor, the members and officials in the highest regard.
Grainne said that Ted was a son of Michael Boyle of Ardfinnan and Kitty McCarthy of Cork, he went to SS Peter & Pauls and the High School, loved cross-country and played for Commercials.

She said Ted had a great love for West Cork and loved to visit that part of the country.
Grainne said Ted treasured the friendships forged as a result of his 40-year association with the town twinning group.
She said he had enjoyed a wonderful association with the Irish Coursing Club and attended the national coursing meeting every year since 1963 in Powerstown.

“It has been a huge part of his life. He loved the people and the sport and believed that the sport was part of the identity of Clonmel and Tipperary,” said Grainne.
His daughter said that Tipperary ran through her father’s veins. He loved hurling and going to the matches and she had many happy memories of going to the big matches with him and his friends.
She thanked all of the staff at St Anthony’s in Clonmel for looking after Ted so well during his illness which he bore with great courage and resilience.

Former Mayor who has passed away was 'a real positive force' in Clonmel for many decades

Ted Boyle served as Mayor of Clonmel on three occasions

Grainne said the family were overwhelmed with the support shown to them all during this difficult time and said the support of so many was greatly appreciated.

POSITIVE FORCE
Earlier that morning a special meeting of Clonmel Borough Council was convened at the Town Hall as a mark of respect to the former Mayor.
Mayor of Clonmel, Cllr Michael Murphy, described Ted Boyle as a great servant of Clonmel, a champion of so many causes and a real positive force in the historic town for so many decades.
He told the meeting that Ted Boyle, elected as Mayor in 1983, 1986 and 1996, and was elected to South Tipperary County Council in 1991 to represent the five-seat Clonmel Electoral Area, had given sterling service to Clonmel.
Outside of politics, Ted was actively involved in the community.

He was the current Chairperson of the Clonmel Bianconi Twinning Committee and played a very active role in ensuring that Clonmel’s links with its twinned towns remained strong.
He had a great interest in greyhounds and was a leading member of the local coursing club. The Mayor, Michael Murphy, said that Ted Boyle possessed exceptional traits of character, and he considered himself so fortunate to have known the great Ted Boyle.
Cllr Pat English said Ted was an outstanding character that was loved wherever he went.

GREAT SERVICE
Cllr Siobhán Ambrose said Ted Boyle was proud of Clonmel wherever he went in the world and gave great service to the people of Clonmel.
Cllr John Fitzgerald described Ted as a man of a very generous nature, a unique character and a fine ambassador for the town.
Cllr Niall Dennehy said Ted Boyle served the people of Clonmel and south Tipperary with his hand on his heart, he was a true advocate of the town.
Sinead Carr, County Manager, said the Clonmel community meant everything to Ted Boyle and he had left a huge legacy behind him.
Breda, a sister of Ted, thanked Mayor Murphy, all of the members and officials and other speakers for the wonderful tributes they had all paid to Ted.
She said the family greatly appreciated the kind words spoken about Ted and said they were deeply humbled by the tributes paid to her brother.