LEGENDARY Limerick comedian Tom O’Donnell (88), half of famed comedy double act Tom and Paschal, passed away this week at his home on Ballinacurra Road. Tributes have poured in from across the Irish entertainment circuit and his home city of Limerick, with Mr O’Donnell described as a pioneer of the comedy world. The veteran entertainer’s stellar career saw him perform in New York’s Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Mr O’Donnell and fellow comedian Paschal O’Grady began performing together in 1959 and enjoyed a career which spanned four decades.
Tom and Paschal performed on the opening night of RTÉ television and are fondly remembered across Ireland for their Christmas Crackers and variety shows.
As well as being a talented entertainer, Mr O’Donnell also showed skill on the football field in his youth, having played for Pike Rovers as well as playing rugby for Young Munster. He later went on to become Pike Rovers chairman.
Mr O’Donnell’s funeral mass took place on Wednesday in the Dominican Church; he was laid to rest in Mount Saint Lawerence cemetery.
Mr O’Donnell is survived by his nephews and nieces.
Above: The late Tom O’Donnell.
