Passing of well-known Laois man from Portlaoise who made Mountmellick his home

The death has occurred of the well-known Portlaoise man Andy Molloy who made his home in Mountmellick.

Andy of Irishtown, Mountmellick and formerly of Mountrath Road, Portlaoise, died peacefully on Monday, March 10 surrounded by his loving family in his 86th year, following a brief illness.

Predeceased by his parents Andrew and Josephine, brother Seamus, nephews Andrew and James. Andy is survived by his brother John and sister Mary, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, daughters Dorothy and Yvonne.

Andy will be sadly missed by his adoring wife Julie and their children Andrew, his wife Fiona, Jennifer and her husband John, Robert and Linda and her partner Vinnie, his grandchildren Seán Ronan Saoirse Lucy Caolán and Róisín, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and a huge circle of friends.

Andy, a skilled electrician, was known to many for his native town of Portlaoise for his work for many years with Portlaoise GAA especially when the club was based at Fr Browne Avenue.

His volunteer work for the club also made him a familiar face to many in Laois GAA as a constant fixture on the car park duties at the entrance to Laois GAA HQ O'Moore Park and the Portlaoise GAA grounds.

After moving to Mountmellick, Andy became involved with many community activities such as the Christmas lights committee and traders group. He was also instrumental in securing the future of The Rock NS while serving on the school's management board.

He was active in numerous other ways. In recent years he worked tirelessly on the Mountmellick Mountmellick Flood Disaster Committee. 

A proud Republican, Andy was also active in local politics with Sinn Féin over the years. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Presidential candidate Martin McGuinness signs his name for Andy Molloy while campaigning with Brian Stanley in Portlaoise in 2010.

Portlaoise GAA said it was deeply saddened at his passing, announcing him as "a cherished and dedicated member of our club for decades".

READ ALSO: Glowing GAA Tribute to heart of the club

"Andy was the heart and soul of many club activities," he said.

Brian Stanley TD and his wife Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley also paid tribute.

“Andy Molloy was a lifelong Republican here in Laois. He followed on from his own father Andy Snr, who was also deeply involved in the Republican Movement going back as far as the 1930’s.

"Andy got involved in the 1950’s and would have served along with the late Republican Leader Patrick McLogan, Main Street, Portlaoise and would have been involved in preparations for the 1950’s border campaign. He maintained his involvement and interest in the decades since then.

"Andy fully supported the peace process that developed in the 1980’s and 90s, as did Andy Snr. He was also a great community person and a very diligent and skilled tradesman at his chosen profession as an Electrician. He done so much work during the full life that he lived.

"Our sincere condolences to his wife Julie and family. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.

Numerous tributes were paid online and on www.RIP.ie

Anne Harvey also extended sympathy.

"I was so saddened to hear of Andy's passing a kind and jovial man. I met Andy through Mountmellick Flood Disaster Committee where he worked tirelessly for our town. I loved to meet him and have a chat he was a very knowledgeable man who cared about others," she said.

Tara and Adrian Bourke paid tribute describing Andy as "a great man, he will be missed in Mountmellick".

His remains will repose in Moloney's Funeral Home Mountmellick on Wednesday from 5 pm with recital of the Rosary at 6.30 pm.

Removal from his home on Thursday at 10.20 am to St Joseph's Church for Requiem Mass at 11 am and burial after in St Joseph's Cemetery.