The Irish community came together this morning to pay respects to Thomas O’Halloran, who was fatally murdered on his mobility scooter in London on Tuesday.
On Cayton Road in Greenford, close to the scene of Mr. O’Halloran’s murder only five days earlier, more than 100 people—many of them sporting sports jerseys—met to perform a musical ode to the “lovely” busker.
Irish music and prayers were used to remember the 87-year-old, and many songs—including Now I’m Easy by the Dubliners—were performed by local artists.
Mr. O’Halloran, who was originally from Ennistymon in County Clare, Ireland, was known to busk often outside Tesco and the Greenford railway station. Songs he sang were featured in memorials.
He sang, played the accordion, and had lately been busking to earn money for Ukraine. His scooter was covered in the flag of that nation.
According to 61-year-old Ambrose Gordon, his buddy would have ‘liked’ the homage.
He would have been there on his tiny cart, playing his melodies and such such things, the man said.
The County Galway native said, “I’ve lived here for 60 years and have seen several situations of all types. We are a very solid community, extremely strong.
“Today, we came from every county.” Despite being here for 60 years, we are all extremely proud Irishmen since we all donned our shirts.
Another acquaintance, 65-year-old Gerry Hehir, claimed the neighbourhood was “struck” by Mr. O’Halloran’s passing.
I have lived here for 29 years, said Mr. Hehir, a local from South Harrow. The way it occurred is shocking. There are many tragedies in London, the greater community, and the whole planet, but it’s still very, very sad.
He characterised Mr. O’Halloran as “extremely calm and professional” and said, “he was a really kind guy and a very compassionate man. He was trying to collect for Ukraine, for the horrible situation there.”
“He will be remembered for all he did for the community,” says one.
According to Mr. Hehir, the gathering started out as a “sad occasion that changed into what I would term not joyous but the easing of people getting together.” To the family and to all of us, I believe it meant a great deal.
Flowers, candles, and a vial of holy water were placed close to the scene of Mr. O’Halloran’s stabbing before the service.
They will delight at the sound of your song, one tribute read. Because you are there, heaven is unique.
Father Tom Daly, the parish priest in the area, led the people in prayer and prayed for Tom, who passed away so brutally.
“We don’t know what to do in the face of this type of horrible occurrence, and people feel absolutely powerless,” one person said.
“This is one thing to do,” he said, “is to meet in solidarity. Solidarity with the community here assembled, with the family for whom we pray, with Thomas, and with one another.
According to information provided to the MailOnline by his family earlier this week, Mr. O’Halloran left the hamlet of Ennistymon for London to seek a career in engineering.
Tommy’s younger brother George, 74, who talked of their grief at his passing, said: “Tommy was a kind and lovely guy. He was a really lovely man who got along with everyone. It was awful that this had to happen.
He left Ennistymon 70 years ago in search of greater chances in London, George said as tears welled up in his eyes. But he returned yearly.
He enjoyed playing the piano. Although he did not use tobacco or alcohol, he could spend all night at a bar with a bottle of coke and enjoy the music.
Mr. O’Halloran was one of 14 children born in a little thatched house on the outskirts of Ennistymon, according to George, a former firefighter.
It had neither running water nor power, he said. We used to wash and shave at the well across the street, go to the bathroom in a bush, and sleep in the cottage. It was a different era.
George described how his brother’s death stunned the Clare community at large. He said that Mr. O’Halloran is survived by only two of his siblings in addition to a significant number of nieces and nephews.
An accused murderer showed up in court on Friday. At Willesden Magistrates’ Court, Lee Byer, 44, of Southall, was remanded in jail with instructions to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.