Sad passing of well-known Roscommon businessman

There is great sadness in the town of Boyle and the surrounding areas following the death of well-known businessman Barry Feely who passed away on Monday morning.

The 85-year-old, who passed away peacefully at his home at Woodenbridge Road, Boyle, surrounded by his family, had been the face of Feelystone for over three decades.

Joining the business at just 15 years of age he worked in it until his retirement in 2000.

He originally joined his father, Henry Feely, in 1975 working in the forge, where he made and sharpened tools, all the while learning tricks of the trade and working his way up the business.

In 1962 Barry’s brother, Pat, joined and began working with machinery, and between the both of them, the company only strengthened.

In 1997 Barry’s two sons, Finbarr and Shane, began working for the company, with Finbarr now the managing director and Shane the contracts manager.

Paying tribute to his good friend and family relation Deputy Frank Feighan said he was deeply saddened by his passing. Mr Feely had been a supporter of the Fine Gel party and was also involved in his local community , the GAA and the Chamber of Commerce. “He was a great community man, a great family man,” Deputy Feighan stated.

Mr Feely was also well known for the five books he wrote about the town and its history. These included ‘Dared to Challenge’, ‘Great Characters’, ‘A Life in Stone’, ‘We are the Survivors’ and ‘Good Mercy’.

Local Boyle man Sean O’Dowd also paid tribute to his friend recalling that the two of them had been the original founders of the Boyle Arts Festival.

Mr Feely along with Fergus Ahern also initiated the Boyle Civic Collection, purchasing selected pieces each year from the exhibitions, to form a permanent display of high quality art in the town.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, dearly loved and remembered by his wife, Ursula (Killoran), children, Rhona, Colin, Ciara, Finbarr, and Shane; sons- and daughters-in-law Jim, Jackie, Michael, Aoife and Sharon; grandchildren Luke, Sally, James, Anna, Jack, Aaron, Fionán, Roisín, Bearach, Émer, Carrie and Rían. He is also survived by his sisters, Pauline, Rita and Veronica, extended Feely, Hanmore and Killoran family, the community and wide circle of friends.

Mr Feely was pre-deceased by his brothers Pat, Michael, Joseph and John.

Reposing at Feelystone, Boyle F52 X327 on Tuesday, September 16th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Requiem Mass on Wednesday, September 17th at 12 p.m. in St Joseph's Parish Church, Boyle. He will be laid to rest immediately afterwards in Assylin Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu to Mayo Roscommon Hospice. The funeral Mass will be available to view on www.boyleparish.ie