'Community in his heart' Laois town mourns death of Cormac Lally
A Laois town is mourning the death of a Dublin native who made it his home and spent much of his life tirelessly serving the local community.
Retired Abbeyleix Bank of Ireland manager John Cormac Lally passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 4.
His extraordinary contribution to Abbeyleix over more than four decades has been summed up by local Cllr John Joe Fennelly as having "the community in his heart".
"He was involved in many organisations in Abbeyleix since he came here in the early 80's.
"Up to last year he was chairperson of Abbeyleix Parish Employment Committee. He helped to set up the Parish Lotto in Abbeyleix. He was a member of the Simon Community. He was the former president of the CY Parish Hall. He ran the election of the lord mayer. He was involved in the John Player Tops of the Town," Cllr Fennelly said.
Mr Lally also had a passion and talent for sport.
"He was the former Captain of Abbeyleix Golf Club. He was a GAA football referee and up until Covid I don't think he missed an All Ireland Final. He played badminton too," Cllr Fennelly said.
"He was a proud Dublin man from Cabinteely, but he had the Abbeyleix community in his heart. he was an absolutely great man.
"Cormac was always willing to give advice to people, especially when he was a bank manager. He gave the best advice freely," he said.
"He was a very good friend of mine. I offer my sympathies to his wife Pat and all the family. My prayers and thoughts are with them at this time," Cllr Fennelly said.
The staff and the boards of Midlands Simon Community offered sympathies to the family and paid tributes.
“Cormac did so much as a founding Board Member of the Midlands Simon Community to create services for those that are homeless in the Midlands.
“He cared deeply for all Staff and Service Users,” the staff said.
“Cormac’s founding role in Midlands Simon Community and his role as Chairperson for many years meant that his work led to hundreds of people being supported out of homelessness. His generosity of spirit and care for those on the margins of society has had a lasting impact. Our hearts and thoughts are with you all,” the board said.
Abbeyleix Golf Club performed a guard of honour at Cormac Lally's funeral.
Mr Lally is mourned by his wife Patricia, daughters Geraldine, Anne, (McKenna), Catherine (McGowan), his sons Cormac and Richard, sons-in-law David, Anselm and Vince, daughters-in-law Eileen and Collette, his brother Dermot (Naas), sisters Kay Merry (Rathfarnham), Moira Sweeney (Bray), his grandchildren Cormac, Caitríona, Diarmuid, Fintan, Ross, Orla, Clíodhna, Eábha, Aidan, Tomás, Sadhbh, Amelia, Conor & Caoimhe and his wide circle of extended family and friends.
His remains reposed at his daughter's house in Ballyroan on Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6, removed to the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix on Saturday evening, with Requiem Mass on Sunday May 7, followed by burial at St. Patrick Cemetery, Abbeyleix.