Heartbreak in Kilbeggan at loss of young father Andrew Grehan

Kilbeggan and surrounding areas have been left shocked and heartbroken following the tragic death of Andrew (Andy) Grehan, a young father of two, who passed away last week after taking ill while cycling.

Originally from Dublin, Andrew made Kilbeggan his home, and he quickly became an integral part of the community. Many heartfelt tributes describe him as warm, friendly, and deeply admired, and he left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

For over nine years, Andrew worked at Centra in Kilbeggan, where he was fondly remembered by both customers and colleagues as a gentleman with a ready smile.

After leaving the store earlier this year, he continued his career in banking, having worked previously with AIB Tullamore and, most recently, with Tullamore Credit Union, where he started last April.

Tullamore Credit Union described Andrew as “a valued member of our team, remembered for his kindness, dedication, and the warmth he brought to both staff and members alike”. Centra Kilbeggan echoed those sentiments saying in a post on social media that “Andrew was a truly valued member of our team who will be fondly remembered for his kindness, dedication, and willingness to help others. He will be greatly missed by us all.”

Sport was a huge part of Andrew’s life. He was a passionate cyclist, often spotted on the roads around Kilbeggan, and a committed member of Esker Cycling. He used his love of cycling as the catalyst to raise thousands of euro to maintain a fleet of bicycles for use by the students at the Mercy Secondary School in Kilbeggan. He organised two separate fundraising events in 2021 and 2022, the latter event consisting of the Wicklow 200k Cycle; the Mondello 24-hour Cycle three-man team event and the Celtic Warrior Ironman at Lilliput, all within a six-week period.

The Esker Cycling club paid tribute to him, recalling how “Andy loved cycling and had a wealth of knowledge. He was always very encouraging when new people joined our club and often raised funds for worthy causes through cycling challenges. He will be sadly missed.”

Andrew was equally devoted to soccer, especially when it came to supporting his daughters. For several years, he coached local girls teams in Kilbeggan and was a proud advocate for women’s football. Only a few weeks ago, he celebrated a special moment when his eldest daughter Lily began a soccer scholarship in Canada.

He was also a familiar presence at Kilbeggan Shamrocks GAA, and he lived just a stone’s throw from St James’s Park. The club remembered him as a friendly and positive supporter, well-known locally from his time at Centra and during his work managing catering at Mercy Secondary School. “He enjoyed a great rapport with students and staff alike,” the club said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Stephanie and daughters Lily and Lorna, who adored him, at this sad time.”

Andrew passed peacefully on Friday, September 26, at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, surrounded by his loving family.

He is deeply mourned by his wife Steph and daughters Lily and Lorna; his parents Tom and Annette; siblings Laura, Robert and Caroline; his in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, neighbours, teammates, and colleagues.

His funeral Mass was in the Church of St James, Kilbeggan, followed by cremation at Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis.