The silence of Lough Erne now whispers of a life that inspired so many of those around him. 

Thomas ‘Tom’ Donohoe, a man who spent his final years finding solace on the lakes while battling the unforgiving grip of Pulmonary Fibrosis, has passed away at the age of 49. His fight was valiant, but the cruel illness that offers no cure finally claimed him on Sunday.

Tom, who lived in Silverhill Manor, Enniskillen, was not just a man enduring a battle with illness; he was a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength. Alongside his devoted wife, Clare, he dedicated his life to shedding light on Pulmonary Fibrosis, tirelessly working with Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland to support other families ensnared by this devastating condition.

Yesterday (Wednesday) the community gathered at St. Macartan’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, where almost every pew was filled with those who came to pay their respects to a man whose life was marked by courage and compassion.

In his eulogy, the Very Rev. Dean Kenneth Hall spoke with reverence about Tom’s cherished roles as a husband to Clare and a father to his beloved children, Hannah and Ryan. He said, “To Clare, Tom was her life and love. He was a true gentleman who made time for and prioritised his family despite the fears he had about where this disease would lead. He was a protector and provider for his family.

“To Hannah and Ryan, he was the best dad in the world and he was always there for them. He was a carer; he was a mentor and their hero; a true warrior.”

Born in Teemore, Tom’s life journey took him from the classrooms of St. Mary’s Primary School in Teemore and St. Aidan’s High School in Derrylin, to the industrial yards of Quinn’s Cement, Gerry McManus plant hire, and finally Balcas. His working life was tragically cut short in 2019 when he received the heart-wrenching diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis — a disease unknown to him and his family, yet one that would redefine their lives.

Dean Hall recounted how Tom’s diagnosis brought a shattering prognosis, a stark reality that there was no cure, and a slim hope for a lung transplant. “In June 2023, Tom was offered a glimmer of hope when he was successful in getting onto the lung transplant list. He had 12 months of waiting for ‘the call’ with his suitcase packed, ready to go to Newcastle for a lung transplant. He never gave up hope, right to the very end.”

Tom was not only a loving father and friend but also a cherished neighbour. His presence in Silverhill Manor was felt deeply, particularly during Christmas when he would don a Santa suit, riding a lawnmower or a trailer, scattering sweets with his trusty elf, Ryan, by his side. “Silverhill Manor will not be in such good order without Tom. He kept the lawns cut, the patios power washed and the gutters cleaned. He put Christmas lights and decorations up. He made sure the bins were out the evening before bin day — so all the neighbours would check to see which one Tom had put out and then follow suit,” Dean Hall told the congregation.

Friendship was at the heart of Tom’s life. “Tom is described by his many friends as fun-loving, a gentleman, a best friend, a legend, a gentle soul. He brought energy and joy to many. There was never a dull moment when Tom was around. His sense of humour and zest for life made him a pleasure to know.”

Among his many passions, Tom found solace on the waters of Lough Erne, spending precious moments aboard his boats, ‘No Worries’ and ‘Take it Easy’. Dean Hall reflected, “These names are synonymous with Tom’s general outlook on life. Boating brought Tom and the family much pleasure and helped them to reconnect with each other and the beautiful surroundings of Lough Erne when times were difficult due to his illness."

Tom’s legacy is also etched in his work with Pulmonary Fibrosis NI. He played a key role in securing ‘Inis Ceithleann Retreat’ on the Lough Erne Golf Resort, a sanctuary for patients, carers, and families impacted by the disease to find peace and create cherished memories.

Earlier this year, in June 2024, Tom stood proudly beside Clare as she launched her book, Pete the Puffling’s Brave Adventure, the world’s first children’s book to raise awareness and understanding of Pulmonary Fibrosis among the younger generation.

Dean Hall concluded his eulogy with words that encapsulated the essence of Tom’s spirit: “Tom Donohoe could not promise his family sunshine every day, but he could and did promise to stand beside them, no matter how hard it rained. This is a testament to the man that he was.”

After the service, Clare's former colleagues from South West College formed a guard of honour outside the place she used to work as the hearse made its way to Castle Archdale Parish Churchyard for the burial.

Tom leaves behind his beloved wife, Clare, his children, Hannah and Ryan, his parents, Mary and Eugene, and his sister, Jennifer. Tom was predeceased by his brother, Gerald.