Tributes paid to murdered Mayo musician on third anniversary of his death
Tom Kennedy, from Ballina in Mayo, was attacked by a gang of males who took his mobile phone, credit card and money and then threw his unconscious body into the nearby Mtkvari River in Gori on October 8, 2021
The heartbroken aunt of an Irish musician murdered in Georgia has said his “life was so cruelly taken in the most horrific way” on the third anniversary of his death.
Tom Kennedy, from Ballina in Mayo, was attacked by a gang of males who took his mobile phone, credit card and money and then threw his unconscious body into the nearby Mtkvari River in Gori on October 8, 2021.
It is believed Tom got into a physical confrontation with five local men. After police discovered 28-year-old Tom's body, his mobile phone was later found at a pawn shop several days later after his murder.
READ MORE: Family 'heartbroken' ahead of funeral for Irishman killed in 'robbery gone wrong' in Georgia
READ MORE: Irish soccer star injured in horror road smash as car bursts into flames and club 'await update'
In 2022, four local men in Gori were handed down sentences of between 20 and 21 years in prison for the group robbery and murder of Tom. A minor was also sentenced to six years in prison at Central Georgia's Gori City Court for failing to report the crime.
Now, three years on from Tom’s shocking murder, his aunt Patricia Pointon has paid tribute to her nephew on the anniversary of his death. Taking to social media, Patricia posted a photo of her nephew smiling and playing a guitar.
She captioned it with: “Three years ago today Tom, your life was so cruelly taken in the most horrific way. You are missed so much and loved by so many. Until we meet again my dear nephew, love you forever.”
Other pals wrote: “Such terrible sorrow you all have to bear. Such a beautiful smile to remember him by, with love,” while another wrote: “Gone too soon, thoughts are with you all.”
At his funeral Mass in St Patrick's Church, Lahardane, on October 21, 2021, his heartbroken family described Tom as “joyful and vibrant young man".
“Tom brought brightness with him wherever he went and to whoever he met on his life’s journey," a family member said. “With Tom his family always came first, or maybe a close second after music. He was such a polite, well-mannered lad, always mindful to never cause upset to anyone. He was kind, funny and extremely generous in every way.
“We’re the luckiest family as we had 28 years with Tom's unique, quirky, eccentric beautiful soul. Tom was kindness personified who never had a bad word to say about anyone. You all know how bright Tom was. He was a shining star in our family, and we will love him forever," the family member said, at the funeral.
Sign up to the Irish Mirror's daily newsletter here and get breaking news and top stories direct to your inbox.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
