Tragic passing of South Roscommon man “has left a gaping hole in our community”
The late Paddy Harney.
The tragic passing of Paddy Harney, who died following a workplace accident in South Roscommon last Wednesday, “has left a gaping hole in our community”, mourners were told at his Funeral Mass today, Monday.
Tributes were paid to Mr Harney at his Funeral Mass today in SS Peter and Paul's Church in Athlone.
Addressing mourners, Fr John Deignan said that people were gathered in the church with very heavy hearts.
“Our souls are filled with a profound sense of loss and even bewilderment. The sudden and tragic passing of Paddy Harney has left a gaping hole in our community. A void that words seem inadequate to describe.
“We are here amidst our shared grief to remember and celebrate a man who touched so many of us deeply. A man who was in every sense of the word a true Athlone man, a devoted family man and a faithful follower of Christ. The events of the past few days have shaken us all to our core," said the priest.
Symbols representing Mr Harney's love of family, football, trucks and his garden were brought to the altar during the ceremony.
The deceased, who was aged in his 70s, resided at the Old Tuam Road in Monksland. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Vera, grandchild, Emmet Claffey and niece Michelle.
He is sadly missed by his heartbroken wife, Margaret; sons, David and Neil; daughters, Aoife (Claffey) and Aileen (Beaumont); sons-in-law, Damien and Ultan; daughter-in-law, Siobháin; his beloved grandchildren, Andrew, Georgia, Eoin, Keelin and Patrick; brothers, Frank, John and Michael; sister, Mary; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, work colleagues, neighbours and many friends.
After Funeral Mass, Mr Harney will be laid to rest in Drum cemetery.
