Final farewell to 'old friend' Dick Sides who is laid to rest in Portlaoise

An old friend dedicated to family, neighbours and community who left a legacy in Portlaoise and Laois was how Dick Sides was remembered at his funeral Mass before he was laid to rest at the weekend.

Family, friends joined with representatives of local organisations and the people of Portlaoise and surrounds at SS Peter & Paul's Parish Church to celebrate the life of a well liked and respected man who man a significant contribution to his town and county over nine decades.

Gifts brought to alter at the start of the Mass on Saturday, January 21 reflected both his personal and public life in the town. His Portlaoise GAA club blazer - recalled fondly as Mr President at the Mass. Family photos including one with his the love his life, his late wife Kitty, pliers to represent his working life and years with the ESB where he we pronounce at difficult times - 'never fear an old friend is here'. His smartphone represented his love of communication while a rosary beads and book of the Gospels represented his faith. His St Joseph's Accordion band hat was another symbol of his community involvement. 

In his homily, Monsignor John Byrne PP paid tribute to a many who might be mistaken for a politician due to the many positions of leadership. But Msgr Byrne said this was not the case as Dick was driven by an 'innate goodness and desire to serve'.

While he was in his 93 year, Msgr Byrne said the Dick he knew did not view life though years and was 'never a an old man' who always had a fresh outlook. He also paid tribute to the family man on the Ridge Road who lived live to the full in his own home.

Dick's colleague in Portlaoise GAA and the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee paid tribute by reciting The Bandleader a poem written by Portlaoise poet Pat Boran. Dick was Drum Major with the St Joseph's Accordion Band in Portlaoise over number of years. Some of the band also accompanied Dick's remains on his final journey.

Áine Reams, Dick's granddaughter, was supported by her sister Aoife, who also sung at the Mass, in reading poignant tribute at the end of the Mass. She recalled a family man, a great neighbour, a man for the community.

Áine said her grandfather was especially proud of where he lived on the Ridge Road where he was raised by Bill and Kate. She said his favourite day of the year was Christmas morning where all the neighbours were invited in for a 'sing-song'.

She remembered his working life in Odlums and later in the ESB where he made many friends and indeed had the nickname 'old friend'.

She recalled the 'love of his life' Kitty whom he met first in 'after robbing a bike to go to the dance' in a local ballroom. They would go on to enjoy nearly 50 years of marriage and had one child Ann. Speaking on behalf and her sister, Áine said they 'hit the jackpot' to have Dick as their grandfather.

She also recalled Dick's involvement with the GAA as Treasurer of the Portlaoise Club for 25 years and President since 2001 a position that won him another nickname locally - Mr President. She said his proudest moment was seeing Portlaoise win the All-Ireland Club title in 1983.

She also recalled how Dick would go to every match and now the names of all the players. She said he would also make a point of giving a pre-match pep talk to Portlaoise teams on county final urging them: "Come on lads win it for me - it might be my last one". 

She said her grandad was very much up to date with technology and "took to facebook like a duck to water" thanks to his smartphone. 

She believed that through work for Portlaoise hopsital, the GAA club, the credit union and the St Joseph's Accordion Band her grandfather has left "a legacy" to his town.

Ultimately, she said Dick took joy in the simple things in life something she believed was best summed up by a message he posted on facebook. 'The art of being happy is extracting happiness from common things'. As an example she said he like nothing more to stand at the garden wall and have a chat with the neighbours.

She thanked all the health staff who have supported Dick in his later years especially the staff at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise to which he gave so much time and effort over many years.

Dick Sides is sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his daughter Ann, son in law Noel, adored granddaughters Aoife and Aine, their partners Damien and William, relatives, cherished neighbours on the Ridge Rd, and a large circle of friends from near and far as well as former colleagues in the ESB.

 Dick was laid to rest at SS Peter & Paul's Cemetery Portlaoise.