Tributes have been paid following the passing of three Laois people in recent days.
Monday’s meeting of Laois County Council heard of the sad passings of Paddy Clooney, Tony ‘Soupy’ Farrell and Natalia Pilch.
Fianna Fail Councillor John Joe Fennelly paid tribute to the late Mr Clooney who passed away on February 20.
The Abbeyleix native worked for Laois County Council and Cllr Fennelly said he gave many great years of service.
Paddy is predeceased by his wife Mary and mourned by his daughters Anne and Patricia, sons-in-law Eamon and Aidan, adored grandchildren Roisin, Tommy, Sean and Conall.
He is also missed by brothers Martin and Joe, sisters-in-law Josie and Lil, brother-in-law Paddy, nieces, nephews, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
Sinn Fein’s Caroline Dwane-Stanley remembered the late Natalia Plich who’s loss she says has left a huge void in the Polish community in Portlaoise.
Cllr Dwane-Stanley said: “I was very sad to hear of Natalia’s passing.
“A very sad and tragic death of a young woman that has left her young son an orphan.
“Her extended family came over from Poland for the funeral.”
Natalia passed away on Februaru 23 after an illness borne with dignity and courage.
Dearly loved and cherished mother to Michal Marczeski, Natalia was the daughter of Ewa and Ryszard Pilch, sister to Karolina and aunt to Kacper.
Meanwhile, Independent Councillor Ben Brennan paid tribute to the late Tony ‘Soupy’ Farrell.
The Graiguecullen native passed away on Saturday, February 25 and Cllr Brennan described him as a ‘great GAA and community man’.
Tony died peacefully in the presence of his devoted daughters Karen and Ashleigh.
He is predeceased by his grandson Craig Kehoe, his parents John and Sarah, his brother Paddy and his nephew John Farrell.
Tony is sadly missed by his heartbroken daughters, grandchildren Ricky, Elly, Mikey, Cody and Tamzynn and their granny Liz.
Also by sisters Mary-Jo and Betty, brothers Maurice and John-Joe, son-in-law Ivan and Karen’s partner John, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, his nieces, nephews, his many good friends and his kind neighbours in Oakley Park.
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