The untimely death of Baylin resident TP Hickey, has been received with much sadness and grief within the local community and across the Midlands region.
A true character who will be forever synonymous with Temple Villa football club, TP’s passing was afforded due recognition during the recent Athlone Moate Municipal District meeting.
Noting TP’s impact on the youth of the locality as he encouraged their participation in sport, Town Mayor, Cllr. Frankie Keena, noted that he was a “gentleman, character and legend”.
“I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Ita Hickey, her family Claire, Brian, Louise and Lorna on the very sad passing of her husband and their father TP Hickey. Also condolences to his siblings Mary, Michael and Shay and wider family members.
“Over the years, TP encouraged young people in the areas to get involved in sports. He was a dedicated sportsman who played on the pitch and worked tirelessly to support his local clubs Caulry GAA and Temple Villa FC. It was lovely to see him been honoured last October during Caulry GAA’s 50th anniversary as a part of the 1969 team which claimed the club’s first intermediate championship.
“TP had also a longstanding involvement with soccer in the Mount Temple/Baylin areas. His committment to Temple Villa FC over the decades was recognised in a lovely way a number of years ago when the club renamed their pitch, TP Hickey Park.
“He also had a great love and passion for music and back in the early 1970s he sang with a relief band called ‘’The Holy Terrors’’. who played support for all the top bands playing the Midland venues. His most memorable gig was playing support for Phil Lynott’s ban Thin Lizzie in the Crescent Ballroom.
“The communities in Baylin/Mount Temple and wider afield are so saddened with grief over TP’s death and this was clearly shown by the large numbers who attended his funeral,” Cllr. Keena remarked.
The Town Mayor’s sentiments were wholly echoed in unison by his fellow public representatives.
TP was laid to rest in Donegan cemetery on Monday morning following funeral mass in Corpus Christi Church, Mount Temple.
