"I got to know Cardinal Tomas very well. We often met at meetings of European bishops, at Synods in Rome and on many other occasions. I always found him to be such excellent company. Wherever he was there was joy and laughter. I remember finding myself in St. Louis in the United States only to discover that Cardinal Tomas was also present on a different errand. I tracked him down and said: `We simply must meet and do something together'. So he and I attended a dinner in which I was supposed to be the guest of honour. His presence made all the difference to everyone's enjoyment.

I knew him too to be a man for whom his people meant everything. He was a true pastor and all his instincts were to serve the people he had been appointed to minister to as a bishop.

He carried his great learning lightly. I was always amazed at his knowledge and feel for history and especially the history of Ireland. And also his remarkable memory for faces and persons. It was not just a trick. It was also born of his gift for friendship. I really felt very sad when I learned of his death".