The town of Portlaoise is in mourning tonight with the news of the death of Dick Sides, a man who gave so much to so many community groups over his long life.
Be it GAA, Credit Union, Accordion Band, Friends of Portlaoise General Hospital (and its various guises over the years) and the parish community, Dick Sides was never far away.
A long-time employee of the ESB, he was involved in various groups and clubs around Portlaoise for generations.
He served 25 years as treasurer of Portlaoise GAA club, beginning in the mid 1960s, and was president since 2001.
“Dick was not just a Portlaoise GAA legend, he was a bone fide town icon,” said a social media post from the club this evening.
Good-humoured, friendly and decent, he will be remembered as a man who cherished life and for the huge contribution he made to the town of Portlaoise.
He passed away peacefully, in his 93rd year, in Portlaoise hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
He is predeceased by his darling wife Kitty and sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his daughter Ann, son-in-law Noel and adored granddaughters Aoife and Aine, their partners Damien and William, relatives, cherished neighbours on the Ridge Rd and a large circle of friends from near and far.
Reposing at his family home on Friday from 3 pm with rosary at 8 pm.
Removal on Saturday to arrive at SS Peter and Paul’s Church for 12 noon requiem mass.
https://www.portlaoiseparish.ie/webcam/. Interment will follow in SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery Portlaoise.
SEE ALSO – Death occurs of Tommy Dunne senior, well-known figure in GAA community and building industry
