The 75-year-old was laid to rest at St Adamnan’s church, Skreen, Co Sligo today as the service heard he was a gifted farmer who lived a life closely linked to nature
The "peaceful and tranquil life" of pensioner Tom Niland was "invaded" the night he was the victim of an aggravated burglary which left him paralysed from the neck down, his funeral heard.Tom, who lived alone, was left with serious head and upper body injuries following the assault at his home on January 18, 2022.
Fr Gilroy said: "Certain gestures can leave an indelible mark on our hearts. One such gesture happened the other evening. "And as the days became weeks, and the weeks became months, they discovered the humble, gracious, gentle and kind man that we all love and respect." Fr Gilroy said: "He was close to nature, and I have no doubt, he appreciated the gifts of nature that maybe most of us take for granted."
But Fr Gilroy also praised Tom's cousin Michael, who has been there for him since the attack. He said: "Michael, supported by your family, your wife, Marie and sister, Sandra, you have displayed enormous love for Tom; you have been as good and loving to Tom as any brother could be.
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