Longford mourns late Andy O'Dowd ‘a driving force and guiding light’ for the town

There was a tremendous outpouring of respect for Andy O'Dowd on his passing last week. The resident of Shannonvale in Longford town epitomised what it was to be a tireless community worker.

Andy's dedication to Longford Town FC, his passion for improving the vista of Longford town itself as a leader of the local Tidy Towns group, his role as head usher in St Mels Cathedral, and as in his professional life as constant face of the Longford Arms Hotel combined to make him a figure of renown in the town.

Andy passed peacefully in the care of the nurses and staff of Laurel Lodge Nursing Home last week.

He was pre-deceased by his parents Michael and Annie, sisters, brothers and by his beloved wife Rose.

The book of condolences on RIP.ie hint at the impact he had on the local community. Page after page speaks of the impact Andy had on Longford town.

TJ Ward, of Glack, Longford wrote: “Andy was for so many years the friendly and welcoming face of The Longford Arms Hotel, always helpful and accommodating. He was also a driving force and guiding light in many community groups and organisations, doing invaluable work for many causes, May he rest in eternal peace."

Johnny Nevin wrote: “It was with great sadness that I heard of the death of Andy. I first met him during our time together on the committee of Longford Town FC. He was a brilliant worker for the club and without him we wouldn't have the ground we have today, he was the one who got the ball rolling on that project. We had some great moments over the years.”

Margaret Thompson summed up Andy's broad interests: “He was a community stalwart and an example of what it is to give to community. From his involvement in Longford Town back in the day when support was scarce, his sterling work for Longford tidy towns, and his role as head usher in St Mel's Cathedral to the days when he was known far and wide as the unofficial face of the Longford Arms hotel. Rest in peace Andy. The end of an era.”

Philip Butler of Abbeyshrule Tidy Villages wrote: “His selfless dedication to Longford Tidy Towns was massive and he inspired many others be the same. May his Gentle Soul Rest in Peace.”

Eugene Drumm of Donegal recollected his influence: “I recall as a young student going to Andy to train as a waiter at functions in the Longford Arms. As you will be aware I was trained by the best, and the result was work at many functions. Thank you Andy, and may your gentle soul Rest In Peace.

Andy will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his family, daughter Jacqueline Kirby, sons Anthony, David and Raymond, grandchildren Jamie, Gavin, Daniel, Áine, Jennifer, Conor, Laura, Shane and Aaron, sister Eileen, brothers Matt, Michael and Johnny, daughters-in-law Tina, Annette and Evelyn, son-in-law Nick, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.