Tom Hyland, also known as “Papa Tom”, a revered Irish East Timor campaigner, was laid to rest in a poignant ceremony near Dili, the capital of independent Timor-Leste. The funeral service took place on a Thursday morning at Bekusi cemetery, where a Catholic service and communion were held in the tiny chapel. The chapel was so small that even the six-man choir had to stand outside. The service, attended by over 200 Timorese, was conducted partly in Tetum, the local language, and Portuguese.
President’s Gratitude
Nobel Peace laureate José Ramos-Horta, celebrating his 75th birthday, delivered a heartfelt speech at the funeral, expressing the immense debt of gratitude owed to Mr. Hyland for his significant contribution to the overseas struggle for Timorese independence. He also paid tribute to Mr. Hyland’s close friend, Dan Murphy, an American who founded a clinic in Dili in 1998. Mr. Hyland had expressed a wish to be buried near “Dr. Dan’s” clinic, a testament to their enduring friendship.
Final Farewell
A wooden casket adorned with tais, the traditional weaving of the region, and the Timorese flag, was carried by 11 friends to the grave, a solemn procession covering 30 meters. As a final salute, six soldiers of the F-FDTL, Timor’s defense force, fired three rifle rounds into the sky above the grave. Wreaths, bouquets, petals, and candles were placed on the grave by dignitaries including President Horta, former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, ministers, members of government and parliament, the country’s ombudsman, ambassadors, veterans, and representatives of political parties.
Lingering Memories
Following local customs, additional graveside gatherings will be held to allow those who were unable to attend the funeral in Dili to share their memories of Mr. Hyland. The event was streamed online and garnered 26,000 views, a testament to the widespread impact of Mr. Hyland’s life and work.
President Michael D. Higgins was among those who paid tribute to Mr. Hyland, acknowledging his significant role in the independence struggle and establishment of Timor-Leste. Mr. Hyland, a former bus driver from Ballyfermot, founded the East Timor Ireland Solidarity Campaign after witnessing the atrocities committed during the country’s occupation by Indonesia.
Despite battling diabetes, cancer, and heart disease in his later years, Mr. Hyland remained steadfast in his dedication to the cause of Timorese independence. Timor-Leste achieved independence in 1999 after a United Nations referendum, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s history.