Huge outpour of tributes paid following sad passing of Laois father

There is sadness across Laois this week following the sad passing of an Abbeyleix father.

Adrian Freeman of Ballypickas, Abbeyleix passed away peacefully after an illness surrounded by his loving family.

He is predeceased by his beloved parents William and Mary and his siblings Christopher, Deidre and Gerard.

The beloved partner of Marian and much adored father of Ben and Eada, Adrian is deeply regretted and sadly missed by his heartbroken family.

Hundreds of condolences have been paid online for the local man, who was heavily involved in his local sporting community.

Abbeyleix AFC shared a touching tribute to Adrian.

"Dil was a very familiar face when it came to our club," the club said.

"A tough character with great love for soccer and for our club. Playing for us for many years he very rarely lost a 50:50 ball! Any player that played alongside Dil has said every time they stepped on the field with him, they always stood a chance.

"When Dil stopped his playing career he got straight into coaching, he took over a group of u8’s in 2009/10 and stayed with them all the way until senior level. While with that group of lads, the senior team was on its knees in 2018 and he took over that team as well," they said.

"That senior team was in division 4 of the CCFL and won division 4, 3 and 2 consecutively before being runners up in division 1 which secured the club their spot back in the top division of the CCFL- the first time for the club to play there under the current format," the club said.

"A man with pure heart and determination to see his teams win silverware, and he very rarely failed at that! He gave the club countless hours and countless memories and for that our club will be forever grateful. A great player with a wand of a left boot, a great clubman but an even better man off the field.

"His son Ben was amongst the u8’s group back in 09/10 and is now a staple in our senior team and has been for the last couple of years. He’s an absolute credit to not only the club, but to his late father, Dil," the club said.

"Our deepest condolences to his partner Marian, his two children Ben & Èada and to the extended Freeman family. Leader. Legend. Serial winner. Rest in Peace Dil," they finished.

Ballypickas GAA also expressed their deepest condolences to Adrian's family.

"Adrian was a solid fixture in so many different clubs in the area, from his soccer days of the old Spink Celtic, to Abbeyleix AFC to the sidelines of Ballypickas GAA grounds cheering on Ben and his teammates along with the rest of the extended family," the club said.

"To the Freeman, Lalor & O Dea family and all who knew and loved him we offer our sincere condolences and support at this difficult time," the club said.

May Adrian rest in peace. See his funeral arrangements below.