Local farmer to be laid to rest

Funeral Mass will take at St Michael's Church, Corduff

A young dad-of-two who died tragically in a farming tragedy in Cavan earlier this week will be laid to rest later today.

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

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

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.

Following news of Mr Feeney's death this week there was 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.

“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 also described him as a “hugely popular lad growing up”, and a man 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.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and young family at this sad time,” they said.