THE London-Irish community has lost one of its distinguished members in the recent death of Tom Hennebry, who died last month after a long illness.
Thomas Michael Hennebry was a native of Waterford and maintained his association with his native county, and particularly with Tramore, during his professional life in England. He was educated at Castleknock College and University College Dublin, where in 1937 he graduated with first-class honours in medicine.
His medical studies in St Vincent's Hospital won him the McArdle Prize in surgery, as well as the coveted O'Farrell Gold Medal. His postgraduate experience in England added the DMRE Cambridge to his qualifications. Like most of his medical contemporaries in wartime Britain, he was called into army service during which, he became a surgical specialist in the Royal Army Medical Core and saw service overseas.
After the war, he was chief assistant surgeon at the West Middlesex Hospital and later was appointed consultant surgeon to the North Middlesex Hospital, a post he held until retirement. In that period he had the distinction of being made a Fellow of the Royal College of Medicine and a Fellow of the British Orthopaedic Association.
Tom was a keen sportsman in many spheres, including hockey which he played at inter-varsity level. He was a fine golfer and was a very influential member of the London Irish Medical Golf Society, holding office in many capacities over forty years, and was president in recent years.
Tom played a very significant part in the revival of the National University of Ireland Club, London, following the disastrous fire which destroyed the club's premises at Lower Grosvenor Place, SW1. He was an active council member and president up to his recent illness; he was also a vice-president of the Irish Club in Eaton Square, SW1. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Sheila, sons and daughters, and the grandchildren he loved.