Man known as ‘Mr Clonmel’ remembered for being ‘showman and historian’ with encyclopaedic knowledge of his hometown
Councillors have lead tributes to a Tipperary man who, it was said, knew everything about his town, on his passing this week.
At the December meeting of the Clonmel Borough District, councillors paid tribute to Colm Fennessy, who was hailed as “Mr Clonmel”, for his encyclopaedic knowledge of the goings on in his hometown.
A death notice published on RIP.ie said that Mr Fennessy died unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in Pearse Park on December 6.
He is predeceased by his parents George and Ellen (Nell), and recently by his brothers George, Peter, and also his brother-in-law Jim Ruth.
He will be mourned by his twin sisters Geraldine and Colette, brother-in-law Teddy, sister-in-law Rena, as well as nieces, nephew, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins and friends.
At the district meeting, Fianna Fáil councillor Siobhán Ambrose said Mr Fennessy knew everything about the town of Clonmel, as well as knowing “everyone’s family tree” and who people were related to.
"Colette and Geraldine have lost their three brothers, and Geraldine has lost her husband and her brother-in-law within the space of three months, so it’s just a phenomenal loss, but ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha,” she said.
Condolences paid online say that Colm was “wonderful, friendly and kind person,” and that “another great character [is] gone from the town”.
"He was lovely man to chat to and a huge loss to his family and Clonmel,” one said.
"So saddened with this news of Colm's passing, what a legend, what a character, what memories. Sending my heartfelt condolences to all Colm's family and friends, Rest in eternal peace Colm,” another said.
"You'll be so sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you. You enriched my life more than you'll ever know. You were a showman and historian, but so compassionate which was your greatest trait,” a friend of Mr Fennessy wrote.
"Such a lovely man. I can’t imagine how heartbroken you all are at his passing, and that compounded by the loss as a family you have already had this year. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers,” another mourner wrote.
Mr Fennessy's funeral mass took place on Thursday at Ss Peter and Paul’s Church at 1pm, followed by burial in St Patrick’s Cemetery.