Life begins at … in the case of Conna's Tom Cotter, we'll say 90.

Tom was 90 years old on Friday, January 9th and his many friends in Conna Dramatic Society weren't prepared to let this significant milestone pass unmarked so, with the help of local publican Oliver Twomey, they gave the great man a night to remember in The Fisherman's Rest. Oliver said he was delighted to be associated with the occasion.

"Everyone knows Tom, he's always in top form and is someone you couldn't dislike. We had a big crowd and a great night," Oliver remarked.

Pa Barry, a long time member of Conna Dramatic Society, said the party was 'fully deserved'.

"Tom is one of the most sociable and agreeable people you could meet. He has given sterling service to Conna Dramatic Society over the years and we're delighted to be part of his 90th," he said.

A popular and outgoing widower, Tom is a retired farmer from Currabeha, who was hit by the acting bug from an early age. When he realised he could act, he realised he could also sing and dance, tell a yarn, do an imitation, strut around on stage, fall down (if required), give a monologue, play a part - in summary, he realised he could entertain.

Judging by last Friday night, it will be a long time before any epitaph is written, but 'versatile' is a word that immediately comes to mind.

With regards to singing, he's prepared to take on anything from a rebel ballad to, in his own words, 'something by Pavarotti'. Hymns are also fair game with 'Jerusalem' being a long time favourite. 'Officially' retired from stage and screen, you immediately suspect that with very little arm twisting, Tom could be prevailed upon to plaster on the greasepaint and tread the boards.

He includes taking part in 'Tops of the Towns' (a talent show from the 1970s & '80s) as a career highlight, followed by a television appearance with Thelma Mansfield - according to Tom, 'a lovely girl'. Reputed to have never forgotten the words of a song, Tom said 'it always came easy to him'.

At 90, he's taking it a bit easier and limits himself to 'a pint and a drop'. He may have exceeded his quota a small bit last weekend, but that's understandable for one of life's great entertainers!

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