Legendary Longford personality Michael Gannon lived a remarkable life

Michael Gannon, late of Whiterock, Longford passed away peacefully at his home last month in the company of his family and close friends.

In a fitting tribute to a legendary man, huge crowds turned out to pay their respects over the course of the days leading up to his burial on Saturday, April 20 in Ballymacormack Cemetery.

At 97 years he lived a remarkable life. Born in 1927 he was a force of energy that was unstoppable.

He attended Clonahard and later St Michael’s National School in Longford town. Although scholarly he gave up school, as many did in that time, to follow the land where he worked hard over the years.

In 1960 he married his wife Mary and together they went on to rear their family of six girls in Whiterock.
As a youth Michael and his brother Jim were among those who founded Longford Slashers GFC.

He got great pleasure from playing with the club through the course of his youthful years and being part of club victories on many occasions.

While farming was his passion it could be said that Michael had many career regenerations in his life.

The one thing that you couldn't argue with was his flexibility to adapt and change to whatever life brought his way.
In his youth the greyhound enthusiast, his tireless work with pigs, his dealing with the marts and cattle which continued throughout his life, later and through the farm taking on the mantle of an abattoir and looking after butcher shops locally.

In Longford town from the late 80's he would turn his hand to property.

One of his great interests was the horses, in this arena he got to relax which in his prime he seldom did.
He always loved keeping a good mare like Clover Hill which would go on and produce lovely show jumpers for which he could enjoy.

He kept that interest throughout his life and to the end got a new lease of life if a conversation or video was produced of a horse competing that interested him.

Ultimately what marked Michael differently to navigate any situation big or small was his diplomacy, wit, sense of people, a willingness to take chances and more importantly to give people chances.

His work and deeds were always driven and defined by a decency and respect for other people and a genuine desire to make life changes.

Throughout his life he remained a modern man who embraced changes and moved with the times.

Those who were lucky to have any dealing with him would describe him as a man whose word was his bond, an honourable man who brought direction and positivity to any planned or chance meeting he encountered.

He will be truly missed by the very many who shared or had a part in the amazing life that defined his amazing 97 years. A life that was well lived, one like none other.

Michael Gannon died peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his parents John and Emily, brother Jim and by his beloved wife Mary.

Michael will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his family, daughters Celine (Sloane), Anne (Clancy), Joan (Sullivan), Emily (Briody), Mary (Shaughnessy) and Catherine (Greene), sons-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and close friends.
May he rest in peace.