Dr. Tom McGinley 1934-2021: ‘Dad, you are more than a memory, you’ll always be a living presence’

Ciarán McGinley explained how his father had taken ill on Boxing Day which happened also to be the occasion of his 86th birthday.

“Unfortunately over the past few weeks his health deteriorated. We were unable to take him home where we wanted him to be to care for him, but we knew the place he wanted to be and the place we wanted him to be was his beloved Foyle Hospice and on Thursday he got that wish. I had the honour to be able to accompany him to the hospice,” he said.

Upon his arrival ‘home’ one of the nurses came bounding into the room where he was being cared for and with characteristic good humour demanded ‘where’s that Tom McGinley? Where is he?’ Mourners were told how this had cheered him greatly.

“He opened his eyes and he smiled. The biggest smile I had seen since I had seen him two weeks previous. He knew where he was. He knew he was back in his second home. He was back in the place he loved and among people who loved him dearly,” said Ciarán.

Foyle Hospice founder kindled a bright light of hope Fr. Eamon Graham tells mourners, ‘Oíche mhaith, Dr. Tom McGinley. A thousand thanks’ On behalf of the family Mr. McGinley thanked everyone for the support, love and compassion the family have been shown since the death of their father and grandfather.

“For myself, Aisling, Ronán and Sinéad he was simply our dad. He loved us deeply. He loved our mum deeply and he did everything in his life, everything in his power that he could for us,” he said.

Mr. McGinley fought back tears as he made a final moving tribute to the boy from Brooklyn, who had spent his early years in Gweedore, but who grew to love Derry and its people, who loved him just as much in return.

“He had reached the end of his journey and he knew the end was better than the beginning. Dad you will always be with us even now you have gone. We might not be able to see you but we will always be with you and you will always be with us.

“You are more than a memory. You will always be a living presence for myself, Aisling, Ronán, Sinéad and even for everybody in this city and the wider community. You will always hold a special place in our hearts sat right next to mum but it’s time to go home now dad.

“Thank you for everything that you have done for me, Aisling, Ronán and Sinéad. We just have one more small request before you go. Would you please give mum a big hug from all of us? Safe journey home.”