Tributes paid following passing of Roscommon Ploughing President
The late Michael (Christy) Neilan.
Tributes are being paid following the passing of Michael (Christy) Neilan, President of the County Roscommon Ploughing Association.
Mr Neilan, Muff, Castlecoote, passed away peacefully on Tuesday in his 97th year.
Christy was a founding member of County Roscommon Ploughing, a lifelong ploughing enthusiast and competitor in the Vintage category.
Paying tribute, the Roscommon Ploughing Association described him as “a remarkable man of leadership, commitment and dedication”.
“A true stalwart of the ploughing, Christy was always there. Before our events, he was on site helping with preparations and marking out plots. He was also present at this year’s event, showing his lifelong commitment to the ploughing.
“His knowledge of tillage and ploughing, gained through his years with Farrells of Castlecoote, was exceptional. His advice on suitable sites and venues and his practical knowledge were invaluable to our committee.
“Christy was a regular and valued presence at meetings. Always smiling, laughing and full of humour, his opinions were highly respected. With Christy, there was no such thing as a problem — he always found a way around an obstacle.
“Well known throughout the ploughing fraternity, his passing is a huge loss to County Roscommon Ploughing, not only for his knowledge and experience, but for the friendship and companionship he gave so generously,” said the Association in a tribute on social media.
“Christy loved our meetings and get-togethers, and over the years our committee became like a family to him — and he became part of our family too.
“We mourn his loss, but celebrate the wonderful life he shared so kindly with us. His legacy will live on in County Roscommon Ploughing and in all who had the privilege of knowing him. We extend our deepest sympathy to his daughter Ann, sons Sean, Tomás and Alan, extended family, neighbours and friends at this sad time. May Christy’s gentle soul rest in peace.
“County Roscommon Ploughing will remember him with immense gratitude and affection - a true gentleman, a great character, a passionate ploughman and a lifelong friend of the ploughing,” said the Association.
Predeceased by his wife Kathleen, he will be sadly missed by his loving daughter Ann, sons Sean, Tomás and Alan, son-in-law Ed, daughters-in-law Ann Marie, Caroline and Natasha, grandchildren, David, Chris, Alex, Louise, Danielle, Kathryn, Patrick, Elizabeth, Michael, Katherine, Eva, Marsha and Ilya, greatgrandchildren Skye, Theo, Setanta and Rory, sister Maureen (Dublin), cousins, wonderful neighbours and friends.
Reposing at Hamrock's Funeral Home, Athleague (F42 CC92) on Thursday evening (October 8th) from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m..
Mass of the Resurrection on Friday morning (October 9th) at 11.30 a.m. in The Church of the Assumption, Castlecoote (F42 DX25). Burial afterwards in Fuerty Cemetery.
