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Community plunged into mourning following death of young man 'who only wanted to help others'

The popular young man was a talented football player who has been remembered as "a great man on the pitch and an unbelievable man off it"

[Toms 'Tom' Doyle]

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Toms 'Tom' Doyle

A community in Co Galway has been plunged into mourning following the death of a popular sportsman who passed away earlier this week following a brave illness battle.

Toms 'Tom' Doyle, from Ballygar, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, August 5, following a battle with cancer.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Triona McDonald, his parents Mary and Michael Doyle, his sister Maria and his brother John.

Toms will be sadly missed also by his beloved nephews and niece Michael, Mark and Niamh, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, his parents-in-law Ciarn and Teresa McDonald, Aunts, Uncles, cousins (the McManus and Doyle families), extended family, neighbours and many friends.

In his death notice on RIP.ie, the young man's family highlighted the "exceptional support of all those who have cared for Toms throughout his illness".

Toms was diagnosed with cancer in September 2022. Following the devastating diagnosis, Toms embarked on a number of challenges to raise money for charity, including competing in his first Hyrox and completing part in 100 press ups a day for a whole month.

[760555048_1047003281385805_4227330126988447326_n-1.jpg]

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Toms and his wife Triona on their wedding day

In total, Toms raised more than 8,400 for charities closest to his heart.

The Galway native was also a talented sportsman who played for amateur football club Shiven Rovers AFC, helping the club achieve promotion from Division One back to the Premier League in 2013.

Shiven Rovers AFC have paid a heartfelt tribute to Toms following his tragic death, with the club hailing him as "a great man on the pitch and an unbelievable man off it".

"It is with the deepest sadness that everyone at Shiven Rovers FC learned of the untimely passing of our dear friend and clubman, Tom Doyle," the club said in a statement.

"From a young age, Tom played at centre half and made the position his own. He had a great ability to read the game and used his height and strength to his advantage.

"Tom was part of teams that created unforgettable memories for our club, most notably the 2013 promotion from Division One back to the Premier League after a short hiatus.

"More recently, he was a key member of the 2022 team that won the Roscommon Cup for the first time in the clubs history. Tom played a pivotal role throughout the cup run, producing a man-of-the-match performance in the semi-final and standing solid as a rock in the final. The aftermath of the game is still a bit of a blur, but the memories will always be cherished.

"Even when Tom was unwell, he helped the club whenever he could. He joined the management team and was a great voice in the dressing room, especially when things werent going particularly well. Tom had a great knowledge of the game and always passed on his experience to the lads.

[Toms was a gifted footballer who played for amatuer side Shiven Rovers AFC]

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Toms was a gifted footballer who played for amatuer side Shiven Rovers AFC

"We ran a fundraiser a few months back in conjunction with East Galway & Midlands Cancer Support, and he was only too willing to get involved. That was the character of the man, he never thought of himself, he only wanted to help others.

"Tom will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His passing at such a young age leaves a deep and painful void in our club. His name will live on through the memories we shared and the stories that will be retold."

The club added: "Although he is gone from the pitch and our dressing room, Toms influence will never be forgotten, not only by the players who shared the field with him, but by the countless people who knew him along the way. He was a great man on the pitch and an unbelievable man off it.

"On behalf of everyone at the club, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Trona, his dad and mam, Micheal and Mary, his brother, John, his sister, Maria and to all his extended family and friends.

"Rest easy, Tom. We will miss you. Ar dheis D go raibh a anam dlis."

Tomss requiem Mass was held on Saturday in St.Marys Church, Ballygar, Co. Galway (F42 YD83), followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

In a message shared on his death notice, his family said they "would like to thank everybody for their support and prayers at this difficult time".

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