Death of Tommy Hales (83) in farm accident

TRIBUTES have been paid to the late Tommy Hales who tragically died on Tuesday afternoon, following an accident at his farm in Carrigroe, Enniskeane.

The 83-year-old father of four is understood to have fallen from a quad bike and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post mortem will be carried out and the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) has been informed of the accident.

Tommy was the son of former Fianna Fáil TD Tom Hales who fought in both the War of Independence and the Irish Civil War, and died in 1966. He was also a nephew of Sean Hales TD, who was shot on December 7^th 1922. Both the Hales brothers had fought together in the War of Independence but found themselves on opposing sides in the subsequent Irish Civil War, following the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty earlier that year.

Last Sunday, Tommy carried the National Flag at the annual Kilmichael Ambush commemoration and John Desmond, a friend of Tommy’s whom he met at the event, described him as a ‘good Republican.’

‘Tommy was very well known in the both the Republican sector, as well as the farming and vintage sector and he loved driving his 1936 Lanz Bulldog tractor,’ John told The Southern Star.

‘Tommy farmed all his life and he was always involved in the commemoration events and he was a good Republican.’

In April of this year Tommy carried the National Flag as far as Kilbrogan Hill as he led the Volunteer Reenactment Walk from Bandon to Kilmurry, as part of the 1916 commemoration events. He later re-joined the walking group when they entered Kilmurry village.

Tommy is survived by his wife Mary and daughters Áine, Martina, Mairéad and son Frank, as well as his brother Sean and sisters Peg and Eily.

Tommy’s body will be lying in repose at Gabriel & O’Donovan’s Funeral Home on Thursday December 1^st from 5pm, followed by removal at 7pm to the Church of the Assumption in Ahiohill. His funeral will then take place on Friday December 2^nd following requiem mass at 1.30pm.