Laois locals gathered in respect for the funeral of former Mountmellick principal León De Barra.

Mr De Barra passed away at home on January 22, in the company of his beloved wife Esther.

He was predeceased by his brothers Micheál and Kevin. He is mourned by Esther, his sons Diarmuid, Niall, León Óg, his daughter-in-law Catherine, his grandchildren Niall Óg and Nóra, his sisters Nóra and Ann, his brothers-in-law Noel, Liam and Pat, sister-in-law Ann, nieces, nephews, numerous friends, neighbours and former colleagues and students.

The funeral mass was lead by Monsignor John Byrne, Portlaoise PP. at St. Joseph’s Church, Mountmellick on Monday January 26, who paid tribute to the life and legacy of Mr De Barra.

Mr De Barra was a lifelong member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association. His daughter-in-law Catherine presented his medal marking his 60 years of membership with the organisation as a symbolic item.

His granddaughter Nóra presented his Knight of Columbanus medal and his rosary beads. Mr De Barra was a loyal and faithful member of the Knights of Columbanus, supporting church life and keeping the church involved in public affairs. 

His grandson Niall Óg presented a hurl Mr De Barra had crafted, representing his great love of sport and the GAA, along with his impeccable skills as a woodwork teacher.

"León lived 91 long years, a life marked by faith, family and acts of quiet goodness," Msgr Byrne said.

"León navigated his life through knowing that there were different times for things; a time for learning and for teaching, a time for leadership and responsibility, a time for family and friendship, and a time for prayer and service. León lived through all of these seasons of his life with dignity, generosity and faith," he said.

"León shaped not only minds, but also lives, and is remembered with affection by colleagues and students alike. He had a personal interest in the lives  of those in the school, which was central to his role as an educator.

"Together, he and his wife Esther built a home filled with faith and love, a home to their children and grandchildren who were León's pride and joy. Through them, his values and spirit continues," Msgr Byrne said.

"León's faith was not something he kept private, it was lived, albeit quietly and faithfully, in the heart of the Mountmellick parish. As a Knight of Columbanus, he stood for Christian values, as one of the first lay-readers in the parish. He helped open a new chapter in parish liturgy," he praised.

"We leave many things behind us when we die, but we do not leave behind our love, kindness, faithfulness or service. León's good deeds go with him, the students he encouraged and the families he supported, the word he proclaimed and the love for Esther and his family. The countless quiet acts known on only to God," the Msgr said.

The funeral contingent prayed for León's wife Esther, with Msgr Byrne praising their remarkable love.

"Sixty one years of marriage created a bond that doesn't end, the love remains and the memory remains," he said.

"We thank God for León's good life, for what he gave to Mountmellick, education, parish life and his family. He goes to God laden with the many good deeds of his life," Msgr Byrne said.

Mr De Barra was a member of the Columbanus Portlaoise Council's branch 129 for over 52 years, and was an honorary member. 

His son León Óg thanked all those who assisted Mr De Barra towards the end of his life, and those who supported the family. He shared that his family have been moved by the overwhelming support from former students, and thanked those who travelled to the funeral.

"To all his former students here with us today, who have paid tribute and visited us, we are genuinely moved as a family by the respect and kindness you have shown. To all those who travelled from across Ireland and further afield we especially thank you for being here today. Msgr Byrne, you did justice to our father's life with your requiem mass," he said.

"We will never see his like again," León Óg finished.

Local community groups and businesses have paid tribute to the life and legacy of Mr De Barra. Read their tributes below: