Longford community stunned by death of lovely young man with a heart of gold

Tragedy throws a community into the depths of despair and such was the case when we learned of the devastating death of a true son of Lanesboro, Jimmy Farrell on Sunday, March 31.

Jimmy, in his 19th year, was the son of Gaye and Ann Farrell.

He was a lovely young man with a heart of gold and a confident way about him that warmed the heart of everyone he encountered.

He was extremely interested in farming and had great thoughts and plans for his future and travels to further enhance and educate himself in the developing ways of farming into the future once he finished his course in Mountbellew Agricultural College.

He would equally be at home chatting much older people as he would be with contemporaries such was his relaxed manner, homeliness and personality.

One of the stand out and constant comments from everyone about Jimmy was how mannerly and warm he was.

He was a most obliging and helpful young man who always went above and beyond for anyone in their time of need.

Jimmy was an excellent footballer and excelled with the Shannon Gaels club throughout his underage career and Longford County where he was a Fr Manning Cup winner in 2021 and he played all grades with local soccer club Ballyboro.

He was a young man with boundless energy who really enjoyed life.

Jimmy’s matchless and genuine smile was always to the fore from the moment you met him.

His warmth, energy and cheerfulness will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him and his passing will darken the hearts of all of us that had the pleasure to know him.

Jimmy’s life was much too short but he left us all with lasting memories of his goodness and wonderful times together.

The reverence his peers showed Jimmy throughout his reposing, funeral and burial was a heart wrenching and deeply symbolic of the esteem in which they held him.

Jimmy reposed at his mother’s residence in Cnoc na Gaoithe on Thursday, April 4. His remains were removed to St Mary’s Church on Friday for his Funeral Mass that was followed by his interment in Clonbonny Cemetery.

To his mother Ann, father Gaye, brother, Conor, girlfriend Aoife, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.

Jimmy, you are gone too soon, you lit up our lives and may you now rest in eternal peace.