Sadness at death of Liam Gavin

Had life not taken the twist it did, the late Liam Gavin, of Collinstown Farm, Rochfortbridge, would today, Tuesday, have flown with friends for his much-looked-forward-to annual trip to Lanzarote.

Sadly, Liam was buried on Monday, after dying suddenly, but peacefully, at his home on Wednesday last, October 29, at the age of 71. His death came just months after that of his brother Tom, of Rosses Point in County Sligo, who died on June 21 of this year.

A most popular man, Liam, who was originally from Fenniscourt, County Carlow, was well known in sporting, farming and social circles locally, and his death came as a shock not just to his dearly-loved family, but to a much wider community, encompassing those with whom he had dealings in both his professional and personal life, as well as friends and neighbours in both Carlow and Westmeath.

Deeply committed to his family, Liam and his beloved wife Sheila had been married 47 years, and he was devoted to her and their four children, Edel, John, Declan and Emma and to his “pride and joy” grandchildren, Charlie, Harry, Oran and Zoey. He was one of seven brothers, and their close bond and shared experiences growing up were treasured by Liam. There was some wistful amusement at the funeral Mass when the congregation learned that due to his pride in always turning himself out well, Liam’s family had nicknamed him ‘Dandy Dick’.

A farmer by profession, he was also passionate about horses and horseracing, and a source of bemusement to those at Monday’s funeral was the revelation that a horse of which he was part-owner, Titanium – trained by Ciaran Murphy at Charlestown Stud – came in a winner at The Curragh on Sunday.

Liam was, of course, also known as a stalwart of the GAA, having held officership roles at both local and county level – including terms at the helm of the Westmeath County Board. Among the symbols of his life carried to the altar at his funeral was that of a green and white jersey representing his involvement with St Mary’s GAA. He was also actively involved with Scór down the years. He was known to declare that despite being a native of Carlow, he was a Westmeath man through and through.

Liam’s remains reposed at his home on Sunday, and following Monday’s concelebrated funeral Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rochfortbridge, his remains were buried in the local cemetery.

As well as being survived by Sheila and their children, Edel, John, Declan and Emma, Liam is survived by his son-in-law Stephen; daughter-in-law Sinead; Alex and Sinead; his grandchildren Charlie, Harry, Oran and Zoey, his brothers Eamonn, Pat and Noel; sisters-in-law Anne, Liz, Rita and Marie; his much-loved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, wonderful neighbours and a wide circle of friends.