T OWN TALK Passing of Tom Cronin marks the end of an era

There was a great sense of sadness in Killarney town on Monday as well-known businessman Tom (Tommy) Cronin was laid to rest.

Mr Cronin, who passed away on Friday, operated a thriving butcher shop on High Street, a business that has been in the Cronin family for five generations. It continues to be successful under the guiding hand of his son, Denis.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has paid tribute to Tom, commenting that his passing marks a real end of an era for the Killarney business community.

Cronin’s Butchers has been synonymous with Killarney business life and the shop has supplied and continues to supply several hotels, restaurants and guesthouses as well as tending to the needs of the community as a whole.

A statement issued by joint Chamber presidents, Pádraig Treacy and Johnny McGuire, said Tommy will be fondly remembered as a great and proud Killarney man whose knowledge of and love for the town was second to none.

“The fact that a song about Killarney was sung as his remains were carried from St Mary’s Cathedral says it all. He loved the town, he loved its people and he served them with passion, with loyalty and with great enthusiasm,” they said.

The Chamber added that Tom was always a welcoming face behind the counter of his shop, with a warm greeting and