Farewell Eddie: loyal friend and proud father

There was much sadness and a great sense of loss when news emerged of the passing of Mullingar’s Eddie Shaw on Wednesday, March 11. Eddie was a popular figure and his passing has left a void and caused shock among family and friends.

Eddie was a strong character and faced illness in recent years with a positive frame of mind. Little did he realise, when in the best of health and working as a mortgage director and later a business development manager at Ivor Fitzpatrick and Co, that such a challenge would present itself.

Though facing adversity, Eddie always had a roguish smile, was up for a laugh and his company enriched the lives of others. An independent thinker, he never shirked with opinion. Quick-witted and sharp, he was good company. He appreciated the love of family and friends, and enjoyed his time with those nearest and dearest. Loyal, strong and genuine is how he will be remembered.

For those who got to know him, behind that impish character was an intelligent, well-informed person who could comfortably hold a conversation and offer opinions.

Above all, Eddie was a proud father to Ben and Adam, and he took immense joy in their growth and development. He encouraged their participation in sport and took an active role as a coach with Mullingar Athletic, with whom he was a former player.

He had a particular love for football, rugby, golf, tennis and horse racing. In his rugby playing days, he was a diminutive, talented scrum half for Mullingar. He regularly went golfing at home and abroad and was popular on the local golf scene. Aside from that, he was an avid Everton fan.

The Cheltenham Festival was a big part of the year and, sadly, his passing came on day two this year. Typical of the fighting spirit he showed, he was determined to have that final punt and, appropriately, it was a winning one.

Though ill, Eddie was determined to help make a difference to others in life and he was involved in a charity night, Daffodils and Ducks, in Clarke’s Bar, Mullingar in recent weeks. It culminated in a night of performance and song, the perfect send-off for someone who had such a strong appreciation of music.

Eddie’s presence on the evening underlined the positive spirit with which he faced his daily battle. It showed his determination to see something through and the event will raise an impressive sum for the Irish Cancer Society. His target of €10,000 was exceeded, which is truly outstanding. The support of his many friends shows the kind of impression he made on others and the respect in which he was held as a valued friend.

Eddie was also deep and thoughtful, someone who often reflected on life’s bigger questions. One of his favourite songs captured that side of him perfectly: ‘And the vision that was planted in my brain, still remains, within the sound of silence’. These words from The Sound of Silence, one of his favourite songs, seemed to echo the quiet wisdom and reflection that defined him.

He will be greatly missed by his adored sons Adam and Ben; his mother Betty; brothers Joseph, Richard, James, John and Matthew; and his only sister Mary; his dearest friend Dominique; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law; his much loved nieces, nephews and godchildren; aunts, uncles, extended family, work colleagues, a wide circle of friends and Fiona, mother of his boys.

Eddie met each obstacle with courage. He was stoic, brave, resilient and a fighter to the end. That would be a fitting epitaph.

‘Never give up, believe in yourself and just do it’ were the words chosen for his death notice, a perfect summary of Eddie’s upbeat attitude on a difficult journey. Slán a chara, agus codladh sámh.

The family expressed gratitude for the care and support Eddie received throughout his illness, by Prof Ray McDermott and team at MRH Mullingar, particularly ED and Medical 1, and Dr Liam Dalton and staff, Mullingar Medical Centre.