Tributes pour in following passing of legendary Longford ploughman

The much loved and hugely respected Kenagh man died surrounded by his family at Dublin's Mater Hospital.

Managing Director of National Ploughing of the National Ploughing Championships, Anna May McHugh said the industry had lost one of its greatest ambassadors.

"I would have known Eamon for over 50 years," she said. 

"He was a good friend, very gentle, kind and a historian behind it. His late wife Eithne was also heavily involved in Longford ploughing circles and whatever spare time Eamon had he would dedicate it to ploughing and particularly horse ploughing."

A former chairman of County Longford Ploughing Association and secretary of the Loy Association of Ireland, Eamon's association with a sector he devoted much of his adult life to extended nationwide.

Anna May said her lifelong friend's appetite for all things ploughing was as unparalleled as it was unique.

"When Eamon would come on the phone you knew you would have to have put aside a good bit of spare time, but he was involved in horse ploughing competitions even up until more recent times," she said.

"In latter years would be saying to yourself would he have given it up but it was so very close to his heart.

"He was just a lovely, gentle and friendly man, I could not speak more highly enough of him."

Predeceased by his loving wife Eithna and their infant daughter Mary, his parents Joe and Winifred Egan, his brothers Francis and Michael, Eamon's passing is deeply regretted by his children Joseph, Fiona, Brian, Edward and Pauline. His brothers Tom, (Castlepollard), Dominic, (Street) and Paddy (Glanmore). Sadly missed by his daughters-in-law, Helena, Lizzie, Susan, sons-in-law Michael Farrell and Damien Drake. Grandchildren, Bernard, Grace, Niamh, Aoife, Eleanor, Meabh, Alice, Eddie, Jennifer, Riona, Sean. Nieces, nephews, sisters in- law Trina Carty (Dublin), Rose Egan, Gertie Egan, relatives and his many friends and neighbours.

His remains will lie in repose at his residence, Glanmore Kenagh Co Longford, Eircode N39E068 on Thursday 13th July from 3pm with removal to St Dominic's Church, Kenagh on Friday for funeral Mass at 12 o'clock followed by burial in Carrickedmond Cemetery.
Donations if desired to The Mater Hospital Foundation