Popular racing figure dies; Thomas Wilmot, The Crescent, Newbridge

Leinster Leader, 4 January 1975

Popular racing figure dies; Thomas Wilmot, The Crescent, Newbridge

A greyhound racing official who had been associated with Newbridge greyhound racing track since racing first began there almost thirty years ago, died on Christmas Eve. Mr. Thomas Wilmot, The Crescent, Newbridge, who died in Drogheda Memorial Hospital, Curragh, was 79. Native of Athgarvan, he had been racing manager at the old track in St. Conleth’s Park and was assistant racing manager at the new stadium.

Prior to joining the Greyhound Company staff he was for a number of years a member of the Co. Library staff in Newbridge and was first assistant to the former Co. Librarian, Mr. J. C. Connolly, now retired. As a young man he was a member of the Old I.R.A. (Athgarvan Company) and was interned for a period during the War of Independence.

He was keenly interested in music, particularly traditional music, and founded the Wilmot Ceili Band, a very popular combination during the late thirties and early forties. A keen footballer he played with the Athgarvan and Newbridge clubs and in later years he became interested in pitch and putt and showed considerable prowess at the sport with local clubs. He made countless friends particularly among the greyhound racing fraternity. He was particularly popular as a track official and will be sadly missed by the management and patrons of the local track.

He was unmarried and is survived by his two brothers and other relatives. Interment took place at St. Conleth’s Cemetery on Christmas Day. Members of Athgarvan Pitch and Putt Club formed a guard of honour. A minute’s silence was observed at the track on St. Stephen’s Night.