Much loved hardworking Laois farmer mourned by family after fatal accident

A Laois father and grandfather who never left his family wanting for anything during a life working hard in agriculture was remembered fondly at his funeral Mass after losing his life suddenly in a farm accident on the Laois Offaly border.   

The life of Kevin Carroll was remembered with love his Requiem Mass in Clonaslee on Monday, July 8 just days after he lost his life in an incident on farmland near Portarlington in the Garryhinch area on Thursday, July 4.

Mourners lined the pews of  St Manman’s Church, Clonaslee, to pay their final respects to the Laois man, who "never liked to sit down", in the words of chief celebrant Fr Thomas O'Reilly.

A single framed photograph of Kevin sat perched on top of a coffin. A string of symbols in recognition of the Laois man's life were offered up by his grandchildren. Among them included the Farmers Journal, a piece of timber and a tractor, which was "essential to Kevin's life.

"But it was arguably the moving sentiments espoused by Kevin's son John which struck the most emotional chord with members of the congregation. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

John spoke on behalf of himself and his sister Vanessa while their mother and Kevin's wife Teresa watched the live stream of the service from her nursing home room.

"We were very lucky to have Kevin as a father, although we didn't have much we didn't want for anything. He worked very hard. Although the last few days have been difficult we have enjoyed reminiscing. We can take great comfort in knowing he died doing what he loved. We always knew he was only a phone call away.

"We wish to thank the emergency services and guards who are here today who gave great comfort. We are so lucky to live in a community with such fantastic people," he said.

Kevin passed away just days after the Embrace FARM organisation held its annual ecumenical service in Abbeyleix. Embrace FARM was founded in Laois in 2014 and remembers those who have lost their lives, have been injured, supports survivors of farm accidents.

The late Kevin Carroll is survived by wife Teresa, son John and daughter Vanessa, daughter-in-law Fiona, son-in-law Martin, grandchildren Alex, Kaylee, Callum, Maeve and Lucy, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.

His remains removed after his funeral to Newlands Cross Crematorium for cremation. 

The Health and Safety Authority are investigating the incident which is understood to have happened when hay was being loaded.