The death has occurred of Cormac Lally from Abbeyleix, a man who was hugely respected in community, sporting, business and charity circles.
Originally from Cabinteely in Dublin, Mr Lally held the position of manager of Bank of Ireland in Abbeyleix for many years.
As well as that he was a renowned GAA referee at intercounty and club level and took charge of senior football finals in Laois in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
On his retirement from work, Cormac was a strong advocate for homeless services and served as chairman of the board of directors of the Midlands Simon Community and was heavily influential in the Friends of Simon in Laois.
On top of that he was very involved in a number of community endeavours in Abbeyleix after settling in the area.
He was a founding member of the Abbeyleix Heritage Company, Portlaoise Rotary Club and was a member of the Abbeyleix Parish Employment Committee for more than 50 years.
Cormac also played a big role in Abbeyleix being granted the status of Heritage Town.
Predeceased by his brother Patrick, Cormac will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Patricia, his daughters Geraldine, Anne, (McKenna), Catherine (McGowan), his sons Cormac & Richard, sons-in-law David, Anselm & Vince, daughters-in-law Eileen & Collette, his brother Dermot (Naas), sisters Kay Merry (Rathfarnham), Moira Sweeney (Bray), his grandchildren Cormac, Caitríona, Diarmuid, Fintan, Ross, Orla, Clíodhna, Eábha, Aidan, Tomás, Sadhbh, Amelia, Conor & Caoimhe and his wide circle of extended family and friends.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Reposing at his daughter’s house Ballyroan (R32 W3Y9) Friday, 5th May, 3-8pm & Saturday, 6th May, 2-5pm.
Reception of remains to the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix, at 6pm Saturday, 6th May, with Requiem Mass at 2pm on Sunday, 7th May, followed by burial at St. Patrick Cemetery, Abbeyleix.
Family flowers only, donations received with thanks to Alzheimer’s Society and Threshold.
