Longford shocked by sudden death of knowledgeable and supportive arts officer

Many tributes have been paid following the sudden death of knowledgeable and supportive Longford County Council arts officer, Fergus Kennedy. 

Fergus of Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon and formerly of Cloontagh, Newtownforbes, Co Longford and “The Beeches”, Borrisokane, Co Tipperary, died suddenly but peacefully, on Friday, March 31. 

Described as 'a knowledgeable man who will be terribly missed at Longford County Council', Fergus provided great support, director and encouragement to the myriad of arts groups based in every corner of county Longford. 

Some of his fellow Arts Officers remembered Fergus as 'a valued and supportive colleague' adding, 'I will miss his brilliant intellect and his droll sense of humour'.

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Fergus was a pleasure to work with, always helpful, kind and clear in terms of what was needed.

One tribute on RIP.ie read, "He was always so helpful and friendly. An innovator in promoting the teaching and appreciation of photography."

Another person wrote, "He was always so approachable and helpful. His help with the Arts in all its forms was really appreciated within St Christopher's."

Bernadette Shea, Stonepark NS, also paid tribute to the late Fergus, "When our school extension was being built, we were tasked with organising the Per Cent for Art programme. We poured over the 45 page booklet, scratching our heads as to how we would go about this process. Fergus came to the rescue.

"He guided us through the whole procedure-from beginning to end, simplifying the whole process. The art installation which now graces our main stairwell is, in large part, a result of Fergus’s kind guidance and knowledgeable expertise. Leaba i measc na bhFíreán dó is gura fada buan a chuimhne."

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Predeceased by his parents Michael and Rita, the late Fergus will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his family, son Michael and his mother Sinead, sisters Karina (Terryglass, Co Tipperary) and Orla (Rathoe, Co Carlow), brother Damien (Borrisokane, Co Tipperary), brother-in-law Joe, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives, work colleagues and friends.

May he rest in peace. 

Reposing at Glennon's Funeral Home, Ballinalee Road (N39 EC81) on Tuesday, April 4 from 5pm concluding with prayers at 7pm. A private cremation will take place on Wednesday, April 5. House private, please.