Tributes paid after accident claims life of local farmer

Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday at noon

Tributes have been paid following the death of a young dad-of-two in a farming tragedy in Cavan earlier this week.

Tommy Feeney (36) of Corkishbane, Castleblayney, Monaghan, and formerly Ardara, Donegal died following an incident at Shercock on Monday last, October 11.

Gardaí were alerted to the incident which occurred at approximately 9.30pm, finding Mr Feeney had deceased upon arrival.

“The man’s body was later removed to the mortuary at Cavan General Hospital to allow for a post-mortem to take place,” a spokesperson for An Garda Siochana confirmed.

The Health and Safety Authority were notified of the incident and are conducting their own investigations.

Following news of Mr Feeney's death there has been an outpouring of grief within the communities that knew him and his family best.

Corduff Gaels GAA, Mr Feeney's “adopted club” after moving to live with his family in Co Monaghan extended their condolences.

Mr Feeney was heavily involved in helping train and manage the club's U16 and Minor Ladies' teams.

“Just like Ardara the Corduff/Raferagh Community and beyond was plunged into grief on learning of the tragic and untimely passing of Tommy. Although only a short time in the area Tommy became a very popular member of the community charming everyone with his Donegal humour and personality.

“He became a valued member of the community. His work ethic was always evident. All the time spent on the GAA pitch in Ardara paid off as Tommy quickly became a member of the Corduff GAA Clubs going on to manage the U16 & Minor Ladies. Tributes are pouring in from heartbroken people everywhere who had the pleasure of knowing him. Tommy will be sadly missed by those privileged to have known him,” said the Corduff Gaels in a post shared on social media.

Mr Feeney's club in his native parish of Ardara in Donegal described him as a “hugely popular lad growing up”, who was blessed with a “smile and a quick wit that endeared him to all” who knew him.

“On the field in the green and gold, Tommy always left everything on the pitch and was a talented half back who was as tough as nails and was always one of the mainstays of each underage team he played on.

“Despite spending a lot of time away from home through his work, and in latter years moving to Monaghan following his marriage to the lovely Niamh, he always kept connected with the on goings at home, and only a few short weeks ago, was cheering on sister Grace and the ladies team in their championship victory against Naomh Mhuire.

“On a personal level, he had built up a successful business in his chosen field, giving good employment to many young local lads over the years as he worked tirelessly to provide a good life for Niamh and his two young daughters Aoife and Maria.

“We can only imagine the grief they are feeling at the loss of the man they loved so much,” the club said, offering their condolences.

Mr Feeney was equally as popular in farming circles. He was a well-respected Suffolk sheep breeder of the Drumbarron Flock. The Suffolk Sheep Society South of Ireland Branch, of which Mr Feeney was a member, shared news of his death on their Facebook page also.

They said it is with a "heavy heart" that they report the passing of Mr Feeney.

"Although a relatively new member, Tommy was well known throughout the Suffolk family across Ireland, both North and South. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and young family at this sad time. Please note that the house is strictly private and funeral arrangements will be available in due course on rip.ie. Rest in Peace."

Mr Feeney is survived by his wife Niamh (nee Hanratty) and two young daughters Aoife and Maria, parents John and Noreen, sisters, May (Gallagher), Carmel (Campbell), Catriona (Gallagher), Jacinta, Edel and Grace, his mother and father-in-law Rose and Ollie Hanratty, brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and many friends.

His remains will repose at Deery's Funeral Home, Carrickmacross, this evening (Thursday) from 5pm until 8pm.

Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday at noon in St Michael's Church, Corduff, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Due to HSE restrictions, funeral will be for family and friends.

Funeral may be viewed on St Michael's Church Corduff website.