Tom GARVIN

Tom Garvin was an erudite approachable and highly effective political scientist who provided a powerful and consistent motivation for my studies of political science and economics. I met him for the first time as an undergraduate BESS student in Trinity College and got to know him much better as a postgraduate student in UCD.

Tom Garvin provided the guest lecture for the Social and Political Review edited by me in Trinity College. As a postgraduate student I learned much more from him during the lectures and events at the Institute for British-Irish Studies promoting peace and reconciliation and events promoting European transition and integration in UCD also.

His charm and charisma always came across to his guests in the Common Room and staff bar whenever I encountered him there. He was especially welcoming to visiting lecturers from overseas and exchange students visiting from abroad who needed any advice or assistance with their difficulties.

I was deeply saddened to hear about his period of illness and his stay in Newtownpark House Nursing Home in recent years. I offer my most sincere condolences to his wife, children and extended family for their loss and Tom’s recent passing.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis!

Requiescat in pace dear Prof. Garvin!

Deepest condolences from one of his former UCD pupils 1979-1982

Deepest condolences to all the Garvins and family on their loss. I only knew Tom slightly (always great craic) but he was a good friend of my late father Gus Martin.

Sincerest sympathy to you Máire and your family on Tom's death. You won't recall but we met briefly some years ago when Tom, you and I shared a transit bus to our plane at CdeG airport in Paris. I greatly enjoyed my conversations with Tom when we met, which were far too few! He was helpful to me when early in my many years in CIT, with a large teaching load in a range of subjects, I taught comparative politics as part of the IPA Degree Programme. His prolific publications are inspirational. I have fond memories of him. May he rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to all the family on the death of Tom. I have fond memories of chatting with him in the old UCD Common Room over a glass of wine or pint of stout. He was a wonderfully warm, witty and hospitable companion in that much missed venue for merriment as well as debate.

Everything written here about Tom is true and many mention the great days of UCD's Dept. of Ethics and Politics which usually coincide with their own days there, always a good sign. I was at Belfield from 1975-1980 and greatly enjoyed the eclectic mix of comparative politics (T. Garvin and R. Sinnott), historical institutionalism (M. Manning and B. Farrell), political, social and legal philosophy (F. O'Connor, C. Martin, J. Baker and A. Ingram). Anyone interested in the department must read Tom's witty and insightful history/memoir, 'The Strange Death of Clerical Politics in University College, Dublin', https://www.jstor.org/stable/25484793, where he pays particular tribute to Fergal O'Connor and Conor Martin, two dedicated priests but firm believers in independent thinking

I heard this morning with great sadness of Tom's death. He was one of the brightest lights in UCD - way outside the Dept. of Politics. A man of great personal kindness and warmth, inexhaustible interest in political and intellectual issues. Inspirational colleague, integrity personified. I send deepest sympathy to Maire and the family, remembering with particular attention, John who studied in the German Department.
For a week now I have had in my pocket a tiny reference to Tom's Preventing the Future in the Observer from Sunday week. One of many things which kept the memory of Tom alive. Like his arriving in the Common Room fresh from the Forty Foot - what a man!

In the golden era of Farrell, Manning, Sinnott and Dunlop, Tom's lectures injected humour and warmth , challenging and encouraging the views of us first year students and encouraging critical thought. He was energetic, witty and approachable, but it's his passion and the courage of his convictions that will remain with me. I have never forgotten him or what he instilled in me then. Sincere condolences to his family. Rest in peace Tom.

So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Lovely memories of his entertaining and informative lectures at U.C.D. Condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Shocked to read Tom's obituary in today's paper. Embarrassed that I hadn't heard of the passing of one of the most sincere and openly supportive of scholars and academics. Ad dheis De go raibh a anam macanta.

Tom was an insightful, wise, perceptive intellectual. I loved his lectures on comparative and American politics in first year in UCD. Indeed, it was only last week in a meeting with a colleague when I had cause to quote one of Tom's pearls of political wisdom - "beware charisma legitimising political leadership"! A sure sign of the impact of his political teaching.
My deepest sympathise to Tom's family and friends. An unforgettable character to all who encountered him.

I was so sorry to hear that Tom was ill for the last couple of years. It must have been very difficult for his family to come to terms with. I remember him as always affable, amusing, opinionated yes, but not aggressively so, very very well informed about whatever the topic of interest was at the time and passionate about specific themes. I have very fond memories of my interactions with him over the years and he was a very worthy successor to my late husband John Whyte as Professor of Politics (as it was at the time) in UCD in 1991. My most sincere condolences to Máire and the family. May he rest in peace.

A man who had a huge intellect, but made the politics dept. In ucd so accessible to all. Rip Tom.

Really saddened to hear this. On Andaman island, and, although I don’t drink these days I had a pint in remembrance of all the wonderful times we had in UCD common room.

I send my deep sympathy to Tom's family and to his friends. Even for colleagues who barely knew him, his wry and witty presence in UCD was a source of real comfort when things went wrong. He was already much missed after he retired, but this is a terrible loss.

Deepest sympathies to Máire and family. Tom has left an enduring legacy.

Heartfelt condolences to the Garvins on your recent loss. Tom was an inspiring professor and a generous mentor. In the classroom or the common room, every conversation with him was equal parts wit and wisdom. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.

Condolences to Prof. Garvin's family. He opened up an understanding of American politics for me that has stood the test of time over the decades and helps me now to understand current political circumstances in the USA. Thank you Tom Garvin and may you rest in peace.

To Maire and the Garvin family; deepest condolences from Mary and me.
Tom was a wonderful colleague and passionate about the role of the University in public life. His name and reputation will live on.

So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He and I were in the same class in Belvedere for a few years. Tom was always a friendly outgoing type.
He had a great sense of humour. My condolences to his family . Tom Rest in Peace.

Sincere condolences to Prof Garvin's family on their loss. He was a good historian, and always an entertaining lecturer with a curious mind. May he rest in peace.

I was sorry to hear the sad news, my deepest condolences to Tom’s family. Tom was a gentleman in the true understanding of the word an endearing man with a gentle nature; he had a hardy laugh and a boundless knowledge on the significant but much more. It was always a delight to be in his company.

My deepest condolences to the Garvin family for your loss. Tom Garvin was the best professor I ever had. He was tough and challenged us all to question everything. I thoroughly enjoyed his rebellious approach to authority, and his huge respect for independent thinking. He was totally unique! Rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to Maire and the extended Garvin family on Tom's passing. It was a privilege to have known Tom and to spend time in his congenial and engaging company. I recall with fondness the last time we shared a few hours together in Newtown Park. As I was leaving he escorted me to the door,put his arm around my shoulder, and announced to the care staff - who all adored him - 'This is my oldest student and my friend', at which we all laughed heartily. We shook hands,and he waved me off. Ar dheis De go raimh a anam uasal.

My deepest condolences to the Garvin family. Tom was very welcoming, kind and supportive and so generous in sharing his wonderful expertise and experiences. I fondly remember many inspiring conversations with him in my early days in UCD.
Tom will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Anna, I was sorry to hear the sad news about your Dad. My sincere condolences to you and your family. May he rest in peace.

Dèepest condolences to all t he Garvin family.Tom was a good colleague,always ready with a laugh or clever witticisn.One inevitably felt better after bumping into him.One of the good guys.RIP.

My condolences to Tom's family on their sad loss. RIP. Like other posters here I was lectured by Tom. I wasn't a particularly stellar student but remember his entertaining and informative lectures on American and comparative politics fondly. It's many years ago now but my memories are tinged with a little regret that, unfortunately, I didn't really get to know him. There are many eloquent tributes from former students and UCD colleagues - what stands out is an affection for a man who was an integral part of an "old" and very vibrant UCD. I shall remember him along with other great figures from UCD Politics like the late Brian Farrell, Richard Sinnott and Fr. Fergal O'Connor. Requiescant in Pace. Ultimately, the greatest loss is for you, Tom's family, and his closest friends. Once again, may Tom's gentle soul rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to Prof. Garvin's family on his passing. He brought a great sense of humour and scholarly insights to his classes in UCD. May he rest in peace.

No matter where, how or when, Tom was always wonderful to meet. Witty, insightful, amazingly well- informed, his conversation was spiced by irony and just a little mischief. He brought invigoration and freshness to every encounter. I shall miss him greatly.

My deepest sympathies to the Garvin family. Tom was a wonderful educator, an energetic and friendly presence, and he did a great deal to develop the study of politics in Ireland. There are so many of us who continue to benefit from his legacy.

My deep condolences to Máire and Tom's family on Tom's death. As a new member to the Politics Department in the 1990s, Tom was always supportive, kind, an inspiring scholar and great company. May he rest in peace.

Sincere condolences Anna, on your Dad’s passing. Thoughts are with you and Tony and family at this difficult time.

Paul & Barbara Coakley

Happy memories of summer days in the early 1950s, playing ‘down the dodder.’
Rest now Tom, Rest in Peace.

Tom was our next door neighbour in Dundrum, and later taught me Politics in UCD. I thoroughly enjoyed his lectures which were the highlight of any week. He was a brilliant academic and author, and a thoroughly good man. His hearty laugh lives on. Our sincere condolences to Máire, Cliona, Anna, John, and all his family.
Philip and all the Mulvilles.

Great lecturer, inspiring and memorable as well as thought provoking. Thank you for inspiring me and so many others. Sincere condolences to Tom’s family and friends. RIP.

My deep sympathy to Máire and all Tom’s family on the loss of someone who was unfailingly a kind and generous friend to his students, his colleagues, and his collaborators throughout the fifty years I was lucky enough to know him. He will always be remembered as one of those who helped to build the foundations of the thriving discipline that political science is today in Ireland

Dear John and family , our sincere condolences on the passing of our dad Tom RIP. He made an extraordinary contribution to the study of politics in modern Ireland and to the developemnt of many students in UCD .

My condolences to the Garvin family. I had the great luck to be taught by Tom as an undergraduate. Later when I returned to UCD as faculty I got to know him. Tom was such a fine scholar and a generous warm person. Above all he was great craic to be around.

Deepest sympathies to the Garvin family. I am but one, of probably hundreds, of students that Tom taught and mentored in UCD. I very much appreciated his encouragement during my tumultuous MA Politics days. He always took time to meet with postgraduate students in the Department of Politics. I loved going into his office and seeing rows of books dotted with pictures of his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Deeply saddened to hear of Tom's passing. He was an old friend of the family, and, in particular, one of my father's greatest pals. Since their overlapping times as professors in UCD, and as long as my father was around, he'd be looking forward to meeting Tom for a chat. Always great to hear him discuss history and politics over a pint of stout in the Dundrum House, with a few jokes thrown in for good measure. Tom will be greatly missed. Condolences to Máire and family.

My deepest sympathy to the whole Garvin family on their loss. Tom was a breath of fresh air as a lecturer in UCD - energetic, witty, challenging and sometimes contrarian. It was a privilege to have known him then and now I am re-reading his insightful 'Preventing the Future' in his memory.

Sincere sympathy to Tom's family- when as a newbie at UCD Tom was very kind and supportive (this was in the days of the common room). He always had a glint in his eye, and spoke up for colleagues and staff. Such a thoughtful academic.
Cydymdeimliadau i chi -

So sorry Marie on the death of your beloveth Tom. Maria

I went to UCD in the late seventies. Tom Garvin was my Lecturer. I looked forward to being in his classes so much and never missed one. He challenged us to think for ourselves, and taught us all so much. I will never forget those classes.

Thank you Tom. May you Rest in Peace. Sincerest condolences to your family.

Tom and I met when in the 1960s when we both attended a year long full time scholarship course in the Institute of Public Administration. We became firm friends during that year. We ran across each other occasionally afterwards and it was always an uplifting experience.

Tom was a terrific guy, full of life,always positive and highly intelligent I am really sad at his passing. My since sympathy to his wife Maire and all the family.

Tom Garvin was one of my great teachers during my UCD days. He and Maurice Manning both inspired and challenged us. My condolences to Tom’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.

My sincere condolences John on the passing of your beloved Dad Tom. I had the pleasure of attending Tom’s classes in 96/97 in UCD- Comparative Politics & latterly American Politics. It all went very smoothly if the Agricultural Science lads didn’t gate crash the lecture theatre and caused Tom an irritation! The last time I met Tom I introduced myself as a friend of John. You could see the pride in him as he spoke fondly of John & his grandchildren Daniel & Lara. Just as it always is with grandparents. Much love to you all during this difficult time. X

My deepest sympathy to Tom’s family, Tom was a true gentleman, a revered scholar, a most supportive colleague, and the best of company, UCD will not see his like again, I respected him most highly through the many years knowing him Frank Mc Guinness

A wonderful lecturer who made any subject a pleasure to study. Very kind and supportive to his students.

I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. My deepest sympathies.

John, so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Sending you and your family my thoughts and prayers.

A kind spirited and generous man who was wonderful company.
May he rest in peace.

My condolences to John, Liz, Daniel and Lara on the passing of your father and grandfather. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time. May he rest easy.

Sincere condolences to Prof Tom Garvin's wife Máire, children and grandchildren. I knew him from our days as students and graduates of History and Politics at UCD in Earlsfort Terrace in the Sixties. He kindly asked me to join him at the Politics Department in UCD at Belfield in 1995, when my then place of employment at the Irish Press newspaper closed down. He is very well-remembered. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

A great man is gone, he was a colleague and an intellectual giant, witty and great fun. A small consolation is like all who live in this world while To. Is gone his essence persists ad infinitum his imprint in the book of life will use many pages. I am sorry to his family for the loss of Tom and for his wife who has lost a part of her own being wit Tom’ los

We are both very sad to hear of Tom's death. He was a loyal friend, a great colleague and an outstanding scholar. May he rest in peace. Andrew Carpenter and Lucy Collins.

Sorry to hear of the passing of Tom Garvin his classes in UCD 1987-1992 were so engaging and entertaining. He was an inspirational lecturer and supportive head of the Politics Department at UCD during my time there. RIP

The very day I moved into my office in UCD after arriving from Australia, Tom and I became friends. That first day, he walked in, said "Let's go for lunch". Lunch proved to be a bowl of soup and four pints of Guinness each up at Johnny Fox's. The rest of the day I shall not dwell on. Tom was my mentor on all things Hibernian -- history, politics, alcohol. He introduced me to the wonderful world of the (old) UCD Common Room. He was a major scholar, but above all we shall remember him for being such immense fun! We shall always remember him. Sympathy from Barbara and me to Maire and the family.

Sincere condolences to all the Garvin family on the death of our old neighbour Tom.
Thinking of you all
Etain and all the O’Connors xxx