21 August 1997 Edition

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Fógraí bháis: Tom Loughran

The untimely death of Dungannon Republican, Tom Loughran, on 19 May, shocked and saddened all those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Tom, who was only 58 years old when he died, came from a family which was steeped in Republicanism and which has suffered much for their beliefs. He himself was detained without trial in the 1950s and was imprisoned for those political beliefs several times during the 1970s. Tom was one of the last male POWs to have been held in Armagh Prison.

Tom had been active in the Civil Rights Movement and was also involved, in his local area, in the rent and rates strike.

He took an active interest in every aspect of his local community, being a founder member of his local Tenants Association. Apart from his love of his country, his community and his family, Tom had a great love for his native sports, taking an enthusiastic interest in all gaelic games at all levels - he played hurling at senior level. Tom was also a founder member of Saint Mary's Boxing Club, Dungannon and had boxed with the club.

In recent years, Tom was a committee member of the Dungannon Clarkes Gaelic Athletics Club, as well as groundsman, and was a familiar and welcome figure on his neighbourhood doorsteps as he did his rounds every week, raising funds for the club.

Tom is, and will be greatly missed by all, and our hearts and sympathy go out to his family and loved ones.

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland