Shock and grief in Laois at sudden death of GAA leading figure

There is a shock and grief and an outpouring of sympathy in Laois following the sudden death of a well known Laois GAA figure, husband and father of three, on St Patrick's Day.

Alan Langton, 52, from Barrowhouse, Athy, died unexpectedly after an accidental fall in Ballylinan on the evening of March 17.

He is mourned by his wife Linda, sons Fergus, Cillian and Hugh, his parents Christy and Marie, brothers Gary, Adrian, Paul and Leon, sister Catherine, relatives and friends.

He worked as a financial planner in Clear Financial in Dublin. Having served as a former chairperson in Laois GAA several times, he is the current Barrowhouse GAA county board delegate.

His Barrowhouse club have expressed their shock and sadness, while other tributes have flooded in (below).

"It’s with great sadness and shock that we have learned of the sudden passing of our club member, neighbour and friend, Alan. To his wife Linda sons Fergus, Cillian, Hugh his parents Christy and Marie brothers Gary, Adrian, Paul and Leon and sister Catherine we extend our deepest condolences. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis."

Former Laois GAA chairman Peter O'Neill extended sympathies on the club's behalf.

"Condolences to all Alan’s family, club and friends. He was a true Laois Gael and will be deeply missed. No task was ever too much for him in his Strive to improve Laois GAA. A great sounding board for me during my roles in office. R.I.P."

The Rock GAA Club also offers sympathies. 

"On behalf of Officers and Members of The Rock GAA Club we would like to pass on our deepest sympathies to all of the Langton family on the sad passing of Alan. He was a pleasure to deal with in the GAA world and will be a great loss to the organisation. May he rest in peace"

"Deepest sympathy to Fergus and all the Langton family at this sad time. Alan was always great to be with at the side line and have a chat afterward for a game. May Alan rest in peace," said the Grufferty family.

O'Dempsey's GFC also sent sympathy.

"O'Dempsey's GFC would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Langton family and friends on the sad news of Alan's passing. Our thoughts are with you, and all at Barrowhouse GAA at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

The Ramsbottom family described Alan Langton as a gentleman.

"Deepest condolences to Linda, Fergus, Cillian and Hugh and the extended Lanton family as well as his other family his Beloved Barrowhouse GAA Community. Had the privilege of being in Alan's company on occasion and what a Gentleman, so Inclusive, kind, caring and so passionate. The world will be a lesser place without Alan but no doubt he will light up Heaven. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Alan. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis."

"Deeply shocked to hear of the sudden and untimely passing of our young neighbour, Alan Langton. The Langton family are part of the very fabric of our locality. Alan was a man of honour, always involved helping where needed and a very proud Barrowhouse man too. Heartfelt sympathy to his wife Linda, his sons Fergus, Cillian and Hugh, his parents Christy and Marie, his brothers, sister and the extended Langton family," the Malone family said.

Mr Langford's work colleagues also mourn him.

"Alan was a great colleague and true friend and gentleman to us all in Clear Financial. We are deeply saddened by his sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers to Linda, Fergus, Cillian, and Hugh at this very sad time. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace," Ciaran Shanley said.

Messages are coming from as far as Australia.

"Deepest sympathy and condolences to Linda, Fergus, Cillian and Hugh and the Langton family. Alan remained a great friend since the old Carlow RTC days, always ready to support, help, laugh and joke. May you rest in peace, Alan," said Cyril O'Connor.

Laois Gardaí have confirmed that the death, which took place in a takeaway restaurant is being treated as a tragic accident. A post mortem is due to be concluded on Tuesday, March 19.

Mr Langton's remains will repose at Rigney's Funeral Home, Athy R14 TX26 on Wednesday evening, March 20 from 6pm until the conclusion of the Rosary at 8pm. Removal at 10.15am on Thursday morning to arrive at St. Mary's Church, Barrowhouse for Requiem Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.