Source: Michael Purcell <carlowmike@gmail.com>
Tom Lawler 1889-1949
[note added by Michael Purcell, July 2011 -
>From old newspaper found in the house of the
late Larry Murphy (M.R.C.V.S.), Station Road, Carlow.
The subject of this obituary Tom Lawler was the
son of Patrick Lawler of # 36 & 37 Tullow Street where the family
operated a licensed premises and home-cured Bacon Factory. # 36 & 37
Tullow Street became the Munster and Leinster Bank, it is now Allied
Irish Bank.
Tom died on his 60th birthday, the 18th June 1949
In July 1951 Larry Murphy married Marie Lawler
daughter of Tom Lawler.
The Plough Public House, with the hanging sign "
God Speed The Plough", is situated at 71 Tullow Street and was owned at
one time by John Whelan, he also owned Corn Stores in Tullow Street and
Bridewell Lane, the corn stores in Bridewell Lane were situated where
the old Jail stood. John was the owner of several race horses.].
Nationalist and Leinster Times.
2nd July 1949.
Mr. T. Lawler.
One of the largest funerals in Carlow followed
the remains of the late Mr. Thomas Lawler, The Plough Public House,
Tullow Street, Carlow, who died suddenly on Saturday night of last week.
Mr Lawler was a very popular member of the
business community, and one of the best known figures in the life of the
town.
The tragic suddenness of his death was a great
shock to his family and friends, and the the countless number of people
with whom he was acquainted.
He was a well-known sportsman, and was especially
interested in coursing.
He had a number of impressive performers
including "Snowstorm" who won the McAlinden Gold Cup in 1947.
In the younger days he was a footballer of merit,
and he captained the Carlow Rugby team which won the Provincial Towns'
Cup in 1913 -1914. He himself played among the forwards.
After the First World War the late Mr Lawler took
over The Plough from Mr John Whelan, and continued to carry on a fine
business there since. He was a Director of the Carlow Gas Company and
had many other business interests.
Any movement which aimed at the improvement of
the town found in him an eager supporter, and he was a member of the
Organising Committee which brought the Sugar Factory to Carlow in 1926.
He was for a number of years a member of the
Carlow Urban District Council, and was also a Committee member of the
Carlow Fine Gael Branch.
The late Mr Lawler was a devout Catholic, and
seldom missed a meeting of the Sacred Heart Sodality.
The remains were removed to the Cathedral of the
Assumption, Carlow, on Sunday, and interment took place on Monday in St.
Mary's Cemetery, following Requiem Mass and Office.
Chief mourners were :- Mrs Molly Lawler (widow);
Patrick, Michael & Thomas (sons); Marie (daughter); Mother M. Philomena
(sister); Patrick, William & James (brothers); Mary and Margaret Lawler
(nieces); Brian and Dermot Lawler(nephews); Mrs Margaret Whelan (aunt);
Mrs P. Lawler, Mrs W. Lawler, and Misses Farrell (sisters-in-law);
Thomas Farrell (brother-in-law); John C. Lawler, Dr. O' Dwyer, Thomas
Lawler, Angela Lawler, Mrs N. Purcell, Mrs P. Keightley, Mr J. Brennan,
Mr and Mrs J. McDonald, Mrs J. Nolan (cousins); Mr Vincent Dwyer, Mrs
Thomas Lawler, Mr N. Purcell, Mr P. Keightley, Mrs P. Robinson, Mr T.
Williams ( relatives).
On Monday Very Rev. P. Dunny, P.P., Tinryland,
presided at Office and Requiem Mass.
Rev. P. Shine, Knockbeg, was Celebrant, and Rev.
C. Crowley, C.C., Carlow, was Deacon; Sub-Deacon was Rev. P. Donegan,
C.C., Tinryland. Rev. M. Coughlan, C.C., Carlow, was Master of
Ceremonies.
Chanters: Rev. N. Cullen, C.C., Graiguecullen,
and Very Rev. P. Maher, Vice-President, St. Patrick's College, Carlow.
In the choir were : Very Rev. D. B. Kennedy,
Adm., Carlow; Very Rev. P. O'Haire, P.P., Graiguecullen; Rt. Rev. Mgr.
Brennan, New South Wales; Very Rev. P. Doyle, P.P., Leighlinbridge; Very
Rev. A. Byrne, P.P., Arles; Very Rev. P. Mac Suibhne, Rector, Knockbeg
College; Very Rev. E. Kinsella, P.P., Doonane; Very Rev. Fr. Joseph,
O.F.M. Cap.; Rev. W. Hughes, C.C., Portlaoighise; Rev. W. Gavin, C.C.
Goresbridge; Rev. G. Murphy, Knockbeg; Rev. T. Kaye, Knockbeg; Rev. W.
Dowling, Arles.