Graiguenamanagh man Eamonn Foley was a much-loved character
It was the biggest funeral ever seen in Graiguenamanagh and it was a fitting tribute to a man who lived life so fully during his 50 years.
The esteem in which Eamonn Foley of 57 Fairview was held in was evident last weekend during his removal and burial.
The son of the late Jack and Peggy Eamonn died suddenly in hospital on Wednesday. He had been in good health until Monday evening when he was taken ill unexpectedly and was rushed to hospital.
News of his death devastated everyone in the locality and beyond. One of a family of eleven Eamonn had a keen love of sport and was always on the side of the pitch when Graiguenamanagh were playing. It didn't matter if it was juvenile or senior Eamonn was there calling encouragement to the players. Even when games didn't go Graig's way.
In fact he was such a die hard fan that for his recent 50th birthday Graig GAA club presented him with his own jersey, Foley 1, which he wore with pride.
His interest in sport was not limited to GAA however and he was also a great supporter of Highview Athletic Football Club.
Since the establishment of the town's rowing club Eamonn walked down to the River Barrow every Sunday morning for training sessions.
His sister Margaret described him as the best in the world' and it is a sentiment that has been echoed many times over the past week.
A caring loving man Eamonn lived with his brother John in Fairview and was a rarity in today's world, a man who was universally liked.
He also had attended the Community Workshop in New Ross for a long number of years.
Never without a smile Eamonn had a word for everyone. A great family man Eamonn recently was best man at his nephew's wedding and he was extremely proud to have been asked.
A very sociable man Eamonn was very involved with the Graiguenamanagh Fire Service and always travelled in the fire engines during the St. Patrick's Day Parade.
A committee member of St. Michael's Social Club Eamonn took his duties very seriously and even though he didn't play snooker he attended every committee meeting.
Eamonn was a very religious man and often took on the duties of an alter server.
Guards of honour were performed at his removal and burial by Highview Athletic, Graiguenamanagh GAA, Graiguenamanagh Juvenile GAA, Graiguenamanagh Fire Service and members of the Garda Siochana.
His remains were removed from Walsh's Funeral Home on Friday evening to Duiske Abbey, Graiguenamanagh. He was buried in Calvary Cemetery after Requiem Mass on Saturday.
He is predeceased by his parent, Jack and Peggy and sister Marie. He is survived by his sisters, Margaret, Ellen, Doreen, Bernie, Catherine, brothers, Liam, Dessie, Mick and John, sisters-in law, brothers-in law, nieces, nephews, and a very wide circle of family and friends.
