Warm tributes paid to well respected member of Clonbonny community

Warm tributes have been paid to Clonbonny dairy farmer Fintan Nally, who died peacefully following an illness bravely borne on April 1.

The esteem in which Fintan was held in the community was reflected by the large numbers who turned out to pay tribute to him as he reposed at his son, Francis', Clonbonny residence and at his funeral mass in St Mary's Church, Athlone, on Friday morning last.

Francis paid tribute to his late father, whom he described as a "much loved and well respected member of the Clonbonny community".

"All through his life in Clonbonny, Fintan was an integral member of numerous committees and was widely-known for his community contributions. Fintan was a member of the Save Our Shannon Organisation and served on the local residents' association, playing an important role in the Clonbonny community for which he will be fondly remembered.

"A well-known farmer, Fintan served his time as a dairy farmer for 25 years before switching to livestock farming in 1999. Changing to a life of livestock farming allowed time for travel, in which Fintan had a great interest, and together with my mother, Bridie, he visited Medjugorje, Fatima and Lourdes as he was a man of religious faith.

"Having a keen interest in farming, Fintan always sought to work with modern techniques and had a love of agricultural machinery, a love which has since passed down two generations," Francis said.

Francis expressed his gratitude to all who visited his home and attended the funeral mass to pay their respects to Fintan.

"The strands of life in which Fintan was involved were all represented at his funeral mass as respects were paid to him. It was a privilege to hear how Fintan touched the lives of so many... that in itself is a tribute to the life he lived," Francis said.

Meanwhile, local councillor John Dolan said Fintan was a well-regarded member of the farming community in South Westmeath.

"Fintan was well regarded within the local farming community through which we first met. He was a staunch member of the Fardrum branch of the Irish Farmers' Association and took great pride in farming his land.

"Fintan was also to the fore as a member of the Save Our Shannon Organisation. His farm was heavily impacted by the intense flooding of 2016 and, together with his fellow members, he met with numerous Government Ministers through the years seeking support for their cause.

"His dedication to his craft was admirable as he farmed his land in difficult circumstances at times and was well supported by his family, in particular his wife Bridie to whom he was married for over 50 years.

"I have no doubt that his family will carry on Fintan's memory long into the future. He will be sorely missed in the Clonbonny community and beyond," Cllr Dolan said.

Fintan is sadly missed by his loving wife and best friend Bridie, his son Francis and daughters Claire, Pauline and Anita, daughter in law, Eimear, sons in law, Patrick and Declan and Pauline's partner Robert, his adored grandchildren, Aaron, Killian, Mia, Amy, Gráinne, Michael, Ava, Darragh, Eoghan, Sarah, Orla, Niamh and Denise, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Following his funeral Mass, his burial took place in Donegan, Mount Temple. May he rest in peace.