Tribute to Laois man who 'embodied all that is great about volunteering'

People First Credit Union has led tributes on the passing of a Laois man who they say ‘they will be forever in his debt’ for the years of volunteerism.

Henry ‘Har’ Fingleton passed away after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, October 30, in the comfort of his own home at Munny, Stradbally. A farmer he was predeceased by his wife Angela, brother Jim, sisters Kay and Margaret, parents Henry and Margaret and niece Janine Fay.

His death notice said he will be hugely missed by his heartbroken and loving children, Ann (Fingleton Campion), Pauline (Mc Wey), Ciaran, Deirdre, Adrian and David, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his brothers Tom, Brendan, Joe and Larry, sisters Mary, Nell and Veronica.

A lifelong supporter of Park Ratheniska GAA, for whom he played in earlier years, the deceased also gave many years of voluntary work to Portlaoise Credit Union, which would later become People First Credit Union (PFCU). The board, management and staff paid tribute.

“Deepest sympathies to the Fingleton family on the passing of Har. A former long-term volunteer and Director of PFCU, Har’s energy and commitment helped make PFCU what is today.

“He embodied all that is great about volunteering, giving freely of his time and knowledge for many a community event and charity fundraiser. He continued to have strong friendships with former colleagues in later years. We will be forever in his debt. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,” said a post on RIP.ie.

Peter and Mary Scully also extended sincere condolences to the Fingleton family on their sad loss.

“Har was a gentleman and did tremendous good work for the credit union. I had the good fortune of working with him and the pleasure of many games of golf in his company,” they said.

Derry & Catherine Connolly extended their thoughts and prayers to the Fingleton family, recalling also his involvement with Abbeyleix Golf Club.

“Always an out-and-out gentleman who always had the best interests of Abbeyleix Golf Club at heart in his many years of membership both in and out of office. Rest in peace Har.

Har’s remains will repose in The Presentation Chapel of Rest, Stradbally on Saturday (Eircode R32WRH9) from 2 pm, concluding with Rosary at 6 pm. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Sunday at 10 am in The Church of the Holy Cross, Ratheniska (Eircode R32A373).

Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.