A well-known and hugely respected former Keady councillor died on Sunday.
Tommy Kavanagh passed away peacefully at Chestnut Lodge Care Home where he was a resident.
The former SDLP councillor served the people of Keady in the Crossmore council district for 15 years from 1989 until his retirement in 2004.
He was also a founding member of Keady Accordion Band in the 1980s.
One member recalled his time in a post on Facebook.
“I was in the accordion band when he started it up,” he said. “The first time we marched was St Patrick’s Day. We didn’t have a uniform.
“The boys wore black trousers, white shirt and black dicky bow.
“The girls wore white blouse and high school skirt. Tammy led us down the street and he was the proudest man in Keady that day.
“His mother Minnie, God rest her, was so proud of him. Fond memories of that man. Rest in peace Tammy.”
One woman recalled his time as a bus driver.
“Tommy was our school bus driver such a lovely man. Never saw him in a bad mood could handle all the kids without getting cross because we all respected him rip.”
Tommy was the beloved son of the late Eddie and Mary.
His remains will repose in Chestnut Lodge Care Home until removal this evening (Monday) at 6pm to St Patrick’s Church, Keady.
Visitors and friends are welcome to visit the home to pay their respects to Tommy.
His funeral will take place on Tuesday at 11am with burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery.
Deeply regretted by his cousins, friends and the entire family circle.
