Cavan and Longford mourns death of successful car dealer

It is with regret that we record the death of Mr Seán White, Glasson Village, Athlone, Co Westmeath and Sean White Motors, main Renault Dealers, which occurred at his residence on Thursday, June 8.

Seán was a son of the late Francis and Margaret White, Lower Main Street, Arva where he was born and raised. His father was a motor mechanic and had a garage behind the house while his mother was a teacher in Arva National School.

In his youth Seán was an excellent footballer with Arva and played both Minor and Junior for Cavan. 

Seán started secondary education in Moyne Latin School and went to St Patrick’s College in Cavan where he played on the Senior College team.

For the last number of years he came to Longford Golf Club to play with former Latin School pupils and enjoyed meeting up and renewing friendships. 

He was a member of the Arva Intermediate Championship winning team of 1972. Seán went to America that year and played football while over there and he later played for Garrycastle, Athlone for a number of years. 

Sean met his future wife Mary Foley from Kilclare, Drumshanbo in New York and after some time they returned to Dublin where they got married.

Seán worked for BOC Gases in Dublin, then in Cork and eventually in Athlone. He also worked for some time for I.I.G in Ballyhaunis.

It had been Seán’s wish for some time to own a garage and he eventually bought his own and got the Renault Dealership in 1985 which he turned into a very successful business.

Many tributes were paid to him from customers who dealt with him over the years. 

Sean was predeceased by his daughter Aoife, sisters Maura and Nuala and is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Aideen, son in law Brian, sisters Rita Vaughan and Fidelma de Faoite, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends to all of whom we extend sincere sympathy. 

Seán reposed at his residence and following Funeral Service his remains were taken for private cremation.

Seán was a long time sponsor to the Westmeath Gaelic Football team and a minute's silence was observed in his honour before the Westmeath v Tyrone Championship game in Kingspan Breffni on June 18.