This article is from page 14 of the 2006-04-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
KILLALOE was a community in shock at the weekend as local people absorbed the news that one of the town’s most popular residents had died. Publican, Tom Elliffe, lost his fight for life after a serious operation last week.
Tom was well-known locally as a businessman and a very active community worker, who got involved in organising and promoting the town’s festivals and community organisations. Tom – who was just 62 years old – was the manager of Brendan Grace’s Bar, and it was he who sold the pub to the Dublin comedian in 2002. His partner, Lorraine Cantillion, told how Tom remained actively interested and involved in the business, which they bought together in 1990 and which is currently undergoing refurbishment.
“Even though it was not Richardson’s any more, he was so looking forward to seeing the renovations done,” she said.
A native of Tullamore, Tom worked for many years in Irish Steel and as a barman in Cork.
Another of his passions was darts. Tom was Chairman of the Irish National Darts Organisation. He and Lorainne had a business together supplying dart boards, darts and other equipment to pubs.
The Killlaoe publican was closely involved with the community council and the organising committees for the Brian Ború Festival and the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
“He loved animals and children and particularly his boxer dog, Jessie,” said Lorraine.
A saddened Brendan Grace gave the eulogy at the funeral as one of Tom’s closest pals.
“When the pub reopens I know that Tom’s spirit will grace the bar. Here was the captain of the ship,” said Brendan.
Speaking of Tom’s warmth and humour, the comedian told how the very first time he walked into the bar, which was then Richardson’s, “Tom asked was I Brian Ború and would I like to be Brian Ború in the festival.
“I agreed because I liked him as soon as I met him.
“The night I opened the bar in my name, I was making a toast and joked that it was great to find a pub that I couldn’t be thrown out of. Tom curled his lip that way he did and said ‘don’t be too sure about that.’”
Tom is survived by Lorraine, his children, Don, Joe, Pamela, Audrey and Valerie, his 93-year-old mother, Lily, two brothers and six sisters.