At the launch of the Tom Crowley Memorial Table Quiz at The Oyster Tavern on Monday evening were, front from left; Dermot Crowley, Kieran Donaghy and Majella Griffin of Spa/Fenit Branch of Kerry Hospice. At back; Margaret O’Shea, Ger Carmody, Breda O’Callaghan and Nuala Finnegan of Spa/Fenit Branch of Kerry Hospice, Kathleen Crowley, James Crowley, JJ Crowley, Donal Crowley and Michele King. Photo by Dermot CreanA SPECIAL fundraising initiative in memory of the late Tom Crowley of The Spa, Tralee, was officially launched on Monday at The Oyster Tavern, Spa, bringing together family, friends and supporters ahead of the Tom Crowley Memorial Table Quiz on Thursday, November 5.
The initiative will raise much-needed funds for the Kerry Hospice Foundation and Palliative Care services at University Hospital Kerry, in grateful recognition of the exceptional care Tom received during his illness.
The organisers were honoured to have legendary Kerry footballer Kieran Donaghy launch the fundraising initiative.
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Kieran paid a warm and personal tribute to Tom and spoke of the lasting impact he had on his life.
“Tom was a truly gentle and wonderful man, and his impact on me will stay with me forever. I’ll always treasure our mornings sharing tea and brown bread, talking about football, sport and life.
“I’m especially grateful that this quiz is being held in Tom’s memory and to honour the wonderful care he received during his time in palliative care. He was so well looked after, surrounded by kindness and dignity when he needed it most. Tom was deeply loved, and I feel privileged to have known him.”
Tom was a much-loved and highly respected teacher at Spa National School, where he taught from 1977 until his retirement in 2010.
A committed and dedicated educator, Tom inspired, guided and shaped the lives of generations of pupils, leaving a lasting impact that extended far beyond the classroom.
He was devoted to helping every pupil reach their full potential and was a loyal colleague and great friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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Tom’s contribution to his local community was equally significant. He devoted a lifetime of service to his beloved Churchill GAA Club, coaching and training juvenile footballers with great success and serving as both a mentor and juvenile officer.
He also gave many hours to preparing young athletes for participation in the Community Games, where he served as an officer, and had a particular passion for quiz competitions.
Tom was instrumental in preparing and guiding many teams to success at national level, making a table quiz a particularly fitting way to celebrate his memory.
Sadly, Tom passed away in June 2026 following an illness with cancer, which he bore with great courage, patience and dignity.
In grateful recognition of the loving care Tom received from the Palliative Care team during his illness, his wife Kathleen, his son Conor, together with his family and friends and in conjunction with the Spa Fenit Branch of Kerry Hospice Foundation, has organised the fundraising initiative in his memory.
Funds raised will support the invaluable work of Kerry Hospice Foundation and the ongoing extension of the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital Kerry.
The Tom Crowley Memorial Table Quiz will take place at The Oyster Tavern, Spa, Tralee, on Thursday, November 5 at 8pm.
Everyone is welcome to come along for what promises to be an enjoyable evening celebrating Tom’s memory while raising much-needed funds for a cause that meant so much to his family and friends. Quiz tables of 5, €50, (feel free to come along and join up with others on the night).
There will also be entertainment following the quiz. A raffle will form part of the fundraising campaign, with tickets available to purchase in advance or on the night. Tickets are €5 each or three for €10.
Prizes include;
• A fourball at Tralee Golf Club
• A two-night stay at the 5-star Lyrath Estate Hotel, Co. Kilkenny
• A framed John Hurley painting
• A fourball at Watson’s Cashen Course, Ballybunion Golf Club
• Two Garvey’s SuperValu hampers
• A €500 Voucher from Fitzgibbons Interiors
• Plus many more fantastic prizes
There will also be a special auction on the night for an autographed Kerry GAA jersey.
You can also support the fundraising initiative with an online Donation. Visit www.tomcrowleyquiz.ie and click the Donate Now button to access the iDonate fundraising page and contribute.
All proceeds from the Quiz, raffle tickets purchased and donations received will help support the invaluable work of Kerry Hospice Foundation and Palliative Care services, helping them continue to provide care and support to patients and families throughout Kerry.
Tom’s family and the organisers have expressed their sincere thanks to everyone who has supported the initiative and to the individuals and businesses who have generously donated prizes.
“We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has contributed such wonderful prizes and supported this fundraising initiative. Your generosity will make a real difference to people and families on the cancer journey, while helping us remember Tom and recognise the exceptional care he received.”
