There is sadness in Timahoe this week following the passing of Andy Bergin senior, a man who was deeply embedded in the local community all his life.
Aged in his late 70s, Andy passed away suddenly on Saturday morning while opening up the church where he was sacristan.
For many years Andy and his wife Marie Goretti were the proprietors of Bergin’s Tower Inn pub in the village, a premise they bought in the mid 1980s.
They sold the pub a couple of years ago but remained very much a central part of village life, highly respected and regarded near and far.
Andy was a real Timahoe GAA stalwart, lining out for the club in both codes for decades. He has the distinction of playing in five senior football finals for Timahoe and was on the team, alongside his brother Paddy, that won the 1969 championship.
He was the only player on that team who was still playing when they reached the 1988 final, 19 years later.
The Tower Inn was a generous sponsor of Timahoe GAA teams and Andy will be remembered for his decency and kindness to all who knew him.
Speaking at today’s Laois County Council meeting, Fianna Fail Councillor Paschal McEvoy paid tribute to him.
He said: “It was a great shock that we all got at the weekend following the sudden passing of Andy.
“He was a gentleman, an extremely kind person and always wanted to help people in what ever way he could.
“May he Rest in Peace.”
Andy will be sadly missed by his loving wife Marie Goretti, sons Andy, Kieran and Martin, daughter Maria (Fogarty), daughters in-law Sheila, Niamh, Jean, son-in-law Paddy, grandchildren Lauren, Jack, Molly, Patrick, Andy and Joe, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, niece’s, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
Andy will be reposing in Saint Michael’s Church, Timahoe on Wednesday 28th from 5pm until recital of the rosary at 8pm.
Removal by Whelehan Funeral Directors on Thursday morning at 11.30am to arrive at Saint Michael’s Church, Timahoe for 12 noon Requiem Mass. Interment to follow in Saint Michael’s Cemetery. House private on Thursday morning please.
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