Sadness following passing of Ballina and Enniscrone community and sporting great
Tommy Battle. Pic: Rip.ie
There is a deep sadness in the north Mayo and west Sligo area following the passing of a pivotal figure in community and sporting life.
The death occurred unexpectedly on Monday, October 6 of Tommy Battle, Dún Ard, Church Lane, Enniscrone and formerly of The Atlantic Hotel, Enniscrone & 6 Corcoran Terrace, Ballina.
A beloved figure in Ballina and Enniscrone, he was born in Corcoran Terraced and would go to attend Culleens NS and St Muredach’s College. Tommy became a founding member of Ballina Town FC in 1961, then founded as St Patrick’s FC, and was also a devoted member of Ballina Stephenites GAA, going to serve as Secretary.
Tommy moved to Enniscrone to take over the Atlantic Hotel and the iconic Tom’s Top Ten bar alongside his wife Angela, a cornerstone of social life in the region for years to come. Tommy and his family enjoyed a close association with Kilglass/Enniscrone United, hosting club meetings, dinner dances and fundraisers and sponsoring the team kits.
Ballina Stephenites paid tribute to Tommy following his passing.
“Tommy was a lifelong and devoted member of our club. For many decades, Tommy was a constant presence at James Stephens Park and rarely ever missed a club or Mayo game. His passion, loyalty, and good humour made him a cherished figure throughout the Stephenites community.” Kilglass/Enniscrone passed on their sympathies to Tommy’s family.
“All in Kilglass/Enniscrone United would like to pay our deepest condolences to Tommy’s children Karin, Tommy, Nikki, Barry and Steven, his sister Bríd and brothers John and Antony along with all their extended families and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Ballina Town Chairman Mark Beattie said Tommy was a true club legend.
“I've often heard tales of him. I was very sad to hear of his passing. It's a sentiment shared by all at Ballina Town FC.”
Tommy is predeceased by his wife Angela, brothers Mike & George, sisters Annie and Una & parents Bridget and Michael.
He will be sadly missed by his children Karin (Garvey), Tommy, Niki, Barry and Steven, his grandchildren, sister Bríd, brothers John and Anthony and extended family, neighbours and wide circle of friends.
Reposing at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina (F26 V274) on Friday evening 10th of October from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
Funeral will arrive to The Church of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven, Enniscrone on Saturday 11th of October for Requiem Mass at 12:00 noon followed by burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Kilglass, Enniscrone.
As Tommy was a huge advocate of Daffodil Day, donations in lieu of flowers to the Irish Cancer Society Care of McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina or online https://fundraise.cancer.ie/donate.
