Town comes to a standstill as ‘gentle giant’ is laid to rest

Strokestown advanced paramedic Martin Fallon, who died suddenly last Friday was remembered as a “rock” and a “gentle giant” at his funeral mass this morning, Tuesday. His children also spoke poignantly of their pride in having him as father.

The congregation at the Mass in Strokestown Parish Church heard how Martin, who was affectionately known as ‘Fozzy’, was devoted to his wife Ann and their children Jack and Amy.

Symbols of his life brought to the altar included his Number 8 Strokestown GAA jersey, brought by his son Jack and a family picture brought by his daughter Amy. His nephew Liam carried a Creggs jersey while his niece Laura brought his stethoscope to the altar as Martin valued the knowledge he learned as an advance paramedic course. His niece Holly brought a TV remote control, and his niece Zoe presented a gardening book, representing Martin’s love of taking care of his garden.

His son Jack thanked everyone for the support shown to his family and said Martin was a great husband, father, brother and friend who gave 110 percent to everything. He said he worked hard doing 12-to-14-hour shifts and was dedicated to his job, adding that he was very proud of his father.

His daughter Amy recalled stories of her father and memories of him growing up describing him as “loving, kind, caring and patient”. She spoke of his cheeky grin and how they would miss his laughter.

Martin was born in Lancashire in 1969 and in 1971 the family moved to Tulsk and then to Strokestown in 1976 where he went to school locally, going onto study accountancy. He later married Anne and in April 2005 Jack was born followed by Amy in March 2008, with his daughter sharing his birthday.

In 2003 he trained to be an emergency medical technician and in 2004 was based in Boyle. During 2015/2016 he studied to become an advanced paramedic. He was hugely involved in both football and rugby.

At the end of the mass his colleague read a tribute dedicated in his memory describing Martin as “a dear friend and colleague, whose corner chair is now empty” and how they had lost “a gentle giant”.

Martin was a “rock and a solid tower,” he said and someone who had touched many lives. His Number 42 radio is silent as all who loved and knew are still in shock and utter disbelief.

As the coffin was lead from the Church guards of honour were formed by the National Ambulance Service, Strokestown GAA and Creggs rugby club.

Following the concelebrated Mass Martin was laid to rest in Strokestown Cemetery.

He is also survived by his brother, Aidan; sisters, Marie & Trish (Patti); brothers-in-law, Sean, Paschal, John & Mick; sisters-in-law, Helen, Betty and Gillian; nephews & nieces, Katelyn, Holly, David, Liam, Zoe, Megan, Sean, Eve, Cathal, Danny and Laura; his aunts Patty and Geraldine; uncle, Leo, cousins, neighbours, work colleagues and a large circle of friends, especially all of his many sporting friends. He was predeceased by his parents Aidan and Margaret (Peggy).

Prior to his funeral Mass Creggs rugby club also paid tribute to Martin on social media saying: “Creggs Rugby Club are shocked and saddened at the sudden passing of beloved husband and father Martin “Fozzy” last weekend. Martin was an accomplished Gaelic Footballer having played midfield for Roscommon Seniors and also played underage rugby with Longford. For that reason he was on our radar for many years and after many phone calls and cajoling we managed to get him to join us in 1996. With his athletic build, and super fitness levels he fitted in immediately and was a key part of our Ard na Creg winning team of 1996. He featured in the second row and back row during our All Ireland League Campaign of 1996/97 and was our leading try scorer that season.

“One of the standout matches was when we played Ballinahinch in Belfast. They had a young Andy Ward in their back row who went on to play for Ireland in the following season but Martin outshone him on the day with two superb tries. Martin later, after his playing days were over went on to coach the senior team giving us many years of loyal service. It was also through the rugby club that he met Ann who herself was a formidable and talented back row player. They were a perfect match as both of them were always brilliant company, always with a smile on their faces.

“Creggs RFC are bereft at the loss of a young man in his prime but we will never forget Martin’s commitment and dedication to the maroon jersey for so many years. May Martin Rest in Peace