The daughters of the late Thomas ‘Tom’ McCaffrey have paid tribute to a man for whom family and a strong work ethic were the cornerstones upon which he built his life.

Also well known as 'Tom the Tippler', the 76-year-old was highly regarded across the county for his career with The Department of Agriculture, his work as a publican and the founding of Carewell Homes alongside his late wife Sheila.

Tom’s daughters’ Carol, Julianne, and Louise led tributes to their father. Speaking of their father’s early life, they said: “Dad was one of nine children of Hugh and Bridget McCaffrey. He was born and raised on the family farm at Derrylea, Derrylin. He attended the primary school at the end of his lane and then went to St Michael’s College as a boarder.

Thomas had a varied career after he left school.

His daughters said: “Himself and a few schoolmates formed a dance band and spent a year practising. They did a few gigs but it couldn't be described as work and everyone went their own way. Employment followed doing office work in Belfast and as a bus conductor in London where several of his older sisters were living. He decided to apply to Greenmount Agricultural College, with his sights set on a job in the Department of Agriculture, over 20 years of work followed for the Department.”

Tom married his first love Sheila Cassidy, a nurse from Teemore whom he met on the school bus. They married in 1970 and made their home with their four daughters at The Lawns, Bellanaleck. His daughters recalled many car journeys with dad, with a running commentary about who owned what farm.

While Tom loved his work with the Department of Agriculture he was always seeking a new challenge. Many will have known of Tom through his nickname, Tom the Tippler. His daughters spoke of the origin of the name.

They said: “When Mc Kevitt’s pub went for sale in Arney he bought it and changed the name to the Tipplers Inn, hence Tom the Tippler which stuck with him for the rest of his days. Other enterprises on the site included a chip shop and a hair salon.

“In 1988, he took the plunge and left his job with the department and bought The Brook Tavern pub in Enniskillen, it was swiftly renamed The Tipplers Brook.”

Tom’s next venture alongside his wife and brother-in-law was Carewell Homes which began with the establishment of the Millcroft care home in 1990. The journey continued from there, his daughters said: “In 1992 with the support of their good friend Father Brian D'Arcy they converted the Graan monastery into a care home. Millverne followed in 2005.”

Outside of work, Tom and Sheila enjoyed spending time with their daughters who all lived locally. Tragedy struck in 2000 when they lost their second daughter Lisa to leukaemia.

Speaking of his other interests, Tom’s daughters said: “Dad wasn't one for hobbies, after his family, work was his great love. He was as happy having his sleeves rolled up as he was getting suited and booted. He loved music; many Saturday nights were spent with friends at dinner dances at the Killyhevlin Hotel. He looked forward to the annual Vintners and Graan dances.”

As well as the annual summer holiday with all the family, Tom and Sheila spent many weekends at their home in Mullaghmore. He was also a wide traveller and enjoyed visits to China, Mongolia, Russia, India, the USA and Canada. When his daughter was a bridesmaid in New Zealand they explored New Zealand and then Australia together where he visited his brother Jimmy.

The trip to New Zealand inspired a new business venture, his daughters said: “Further to dad’s travel in New Zealand he set his sights on opening the first drive through off licence in Northern Ireland. The Bottle shop opened in 2010 adjacent to the Village Inn which he had acquired in 1997.”

Tom’s daughters recalled how he often joked with the care staff in the homes that he would be hard to please if his time came and he needed care.

Not long after his wife’s death in 2019, Tom became unwell. Following treatment at the Belfast City Hospital he changed his work-life balance. He lived out final days at home being cared for by his loved ones.

Tom McCaffrey’s funeral took place on Thursday September 2 at St. Mary’s Church, Arney. He is survived by his daughters Carol (Roddy), Julianne (Anton), Louise (Sean) and his extended family. He was predeceased by his wife Sheila and his daughter Lisa.