Mayo mourns passing of renowned photographer

The death on Friday of Thomas (Tom) Campbell marks the end of an era in Castlebar.

Tom was one of the leading professional photographers in Mayo and spent a lifetime recording the big and small events of community life in Castlebar and the wider West Mayo area. 

A native of Market Street in Swinford, he returned from England in the late 1960s with his wife Mary and young family to establish a photography studio in Castlebar. He soon became one of the leading cameramen in Mayo and was especially known for his superb wedding photography. He also carried out numerous assignments for Mayo County Council, including civic receptions and annual general meetings, as well as countless 'markings' for the local newspapers. 

His superb landscape photography, particularly of Castlebar's iconic Mall, often occupied pride of place on the display window at his studio at nearby Spencer Street, and he continued working long into his retirement years. He has left a magnificent collection of images that capture Mayo life from the 1970s to the turn of the millennium.

Tom, who was in his 97th year, passed away suddenly at Mayo University Hospital on Friday, July 17th, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

He was predeceased by his parents Margaret and Joseph, sister Nodie (Nestor), brothers JP and Jarlath, nephew John, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Tom is deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary (Coleman), devoted sons Joe and Gerry, brothers Albert (Galway) and Brendan (Castlebar), sisters Nuala (Osborne, Dundalk) and Angela (Kulkarni, UK), daughters-in-law Marie and Anne, treasured grandchildren Sarah, Conor and Caoimhe, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Tom will repose at Coady’s Funeral home, Castlebar, F23 XY63, on Sunday, July 19th, from 5.30pm with removal at 7pm to his residence at Lakeshore Drive.

Removal from his residence on Monday morning at 10.30 (via Spencer Street) for Requiem Mass at 11.30 in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, followed by burial in Castlebar New Cemetery.

Mass can be viewed live on https://www.churchtv.ie/castlebar/.

Family flowers only, donations if desired to Irish Kidney Association – https://ika.ie/.