‘We will miss your music’: Hundreds gather to attend Thomas O’Halloran’s funeral

Hundreds of mourners gathered to celebrate the life of 87-year-old pensioner Thomas O’Halloran who was fatally stabbed in August this year.

Around 400 family members, friends and well wishers attended the funeral service at Our Lady of the Visitation in Greenford, Ealing on Saturday October 1, several weeks after his tragic death.

Mr O’Halloran,  known to friends and family as Tom, was killed while riding his mobility scooter on Western Avenue, in Greenford, on August 16.

The “well-liked” grandfather was known locally for busking outside Greenford Station and was also said to be raising money for war-torn Ukraine.

Music played an integral role in the service led by Father Liam O’Donovan.

Terrence O’Flaherty, a second cousin of Mr O’Halloran, led a group of traditional musicians throughout the ceremony.

The group performed Boolavogue, a song Tom often played on his accordion while busking and From Clare to Here by Ralph McTell.

A moving poem named ‘Grandad’s Song’, written by his grandson, also named Thomas, was read out during the service.

His coffin, adorned with the Clare flag, was carried out of the church by four pallbearers, with members of his family following behind.

Traditional music was also played during his burial, which took place near his home at Greenford Cemetery.

Floral arrangements spelling out ‘Grandad’ and ‘Tom’ were laid out beside his coffin.

One arrangement included a note, which read: “Dear Tom, We will miss your music.

“Carry on playing it in heaven.

“Greenford Station won’t be the same without you.”

A man accused of repeatedly stabbing Mr O’Halloran in neck, chest and abdomen has been charged and faces a provisional trial next year.

Lee Byer, 44,  has been accused over what a prosecutor has described as a “vicious attack”.

The 44-year-old was charged on August 19 with Mr O’Halloran’s murder and possessing a large knife.