Hurl, model truck, bicycle symbolise life of Laois gentleman Joe Styles at his Portlaoise funeral

A Portlaoise family and GAA community have given a fond farewell to a man who lived his whole life loving his town, his family and God.

Bachelor Joe Styles, aged 89, had died peacefully on December 30 in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda in the presence of his family, following an incident when he went missing in his car on St Stephen's Day.

At his Requiem Mass in St Peter and Paul’s Church Portlaoise on Thursday January 2, Monsignor John Byrne, Parish Priest described Joe Styles as a “gentle man”.

He noted that Joe’s coffin was placed in the shadow of the Christmas tree and crib at the altar of Ss Peter and Paul’s church.

“In the words of that popular Christmas carol, Man will live forever more because of Christmas day. We trust in God’s eternal love today as we commend Joe to his mercy. That God may embrace him in that eternal love. 

“Joe was one of the best known and best loved natives of our town. The town will be poorer for his absence.”

Placed on the coffin as symbols of Joe Style’s life were the actual hurl he used when he helped Portlaoise win the 1965 county final, as well as a toy cattle truck, a toy bike and a bible. 

“No stranger in this church, Joe had his own seat over here daily at 7.30am Mass, worshiping his God, praying for his family and all those he loved. Joe lived out that prayer of worship when he left the church every day, in the bits and pieces of his ordinary life,” Monsignor Byrne said.

“As a young man he was a valued member of the town hurling team, winning junior and intermediate county medals. He remained involved after his playing days were over, a life long supporter of all the town’s teams. And every hurler’s dream, he even got to play in Croke Park. Even if it was as an umpire. In the 1978 All Ireland, refereed by a Laois man Jimmy Rankin. It was one of Joe’s proudest moments. 

“Joe worked all his life, driving a truck for Leo Higgins, represented in our symbolic items also. When he retired from that he continued working, helping his brother John at his animal collection service. 

“I think the comment I heard most often in relation to Joe over the past week, during the panic around him being missing, and his death. The comment I heard most often was ‘gentleman’. He was that, in every definition of the word, a gentle man. 

“Circumstances leading to Joe’s death, in our Lady of Lourdes hospital last Monday are just so unfortunate and so sad.

“But it would be wrong of us to let the regrets and sadness cloud this occasion, when we remember his good, long and happy life. 

“A life spent entirely here in the town he loved so well. A member of a family that he was proud of, and they were proud of him. A family he loved, a family that loved him. And it was appropriate that in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital, Joe hung in there until members of the family arrived, accompanying him on his journey into eternal life. 

“He had a great relationship with his family, but a special bond with his niece Helena. It was indeed a grace for him and for her that she was with him as he passed peacefully into eternal life. 

Joe’s grandniece Anna Ward gave the eulogy on behalf of the family, in the form of a long poem, including the following lines.

“Today we gather with heavy hearts, to say goodbye as Joe departs.

Born on April 15th, ‘35, a man who truly lived his life.

From hurling fields to quiet lanes, Joe lived with courage, through joy and pains.

A champion on the pitch, so true, in ‘65 his dreams came true.

A victory sweet, Portlaoise did cheer, for Joe the hero, year after year.

Joe was quiet, a man of few words, his heart spoke louder than anything heard.

Though shy by nature, his spirit bright would open up with just the right.

A simple walk, a high nelly ride, he’d take his time, enjoy the stride.

His faith was deep, his heart was pure, in Mass he'd always feel secure. 

Born into a family large and true, eleven children love did renew.

To Elizabeth and George, they gave their best, in a home where love and care could rest.

Rest in peace sweet Joe, our friend. Your love and light will never end.

We’ll hold you close in memory dear, and know one day we’ll meet you near.

Music at his funeral was performed by James O’Connor and Alan Smith. John Styles also played a tune on the mouth organ.

A guard of honour was given to Joe by his beloved Portlaoise GAA club at the church and again at St Peter and Paul’s cemetery where he was laid to his final rest. 

Joe Styles from Marian Place was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth and George; brothers George, Paddy and Liam, and sisters Nell and Elizabeth. His death is deeply regretted by his heart-broken family: brothers, John and Noel; sisters Margaret, Bid and Mary; his niece and best friend Helena; nieces, nephews, grand-niece, grand-nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.