Longford bids farewell to Lanesboro businessman, politician and publican Adie Farrell

The funeral of Lanesboro businessman, politician and publican Adie Farrell was a solemn affair, but one that marked the contribution of a remarkable servant to his community.

Adie, who passed away peacefully in the Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar surrounded by his loving family, was waked at Adie Farrell's Bar & Restaurant, Lanesboro from Wednesday last week.

His funeral mass took place at St Mary's Church, Lanesboro with the burial afterwards in Rathcline Cemetery.

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Among the gifts brought up to symbolise Adie's life were a Rathcline GAA jersey, a Longford County Council tie and a pint glass representing his life as a publican.

Adie, who served on Longford County Council for almost four decades up until 2009, was remembered for his dedication, intelligence and wit.

Fr Turlough Baxter spoke of the impact he had on many lives: “For a lot of people Adie was a part of their life too,” the priest told mourners, “he was a straight talker with the ability to get things done.”

Recalling stories from Adie's life, Fr Baxter spoke of the deceased's extraordinary mental capacity: “He had the prospect of many jobs, but it was Lanesboro he wanted to stay in. The loss of his father when he was 25 saw him inherit the business, farms to run and take up his father council seat.”

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Adie's remarkable capacity for work was also noted: “For 40 years he never took a night off. He was a councillor, a wool merchant, a shopkeeper, an undertaker and a farmer. But the pub was a natural place for him. He was noted as the fastest bar man you could find, nothing ever needed to be written down.”

As a local authority representative he found every opportunity to achieve things for Lanesboro: “From the council to the health board and the VEC he got things done.”

His links to Rathcline GAA club were noted, he took on a variety of roles and oversaw the Intermediate team as manager for their three in a row wins.

Fr Baxter said: “His life journey was not made on its own. He had Josephine with him for much of it,” adding, “he got a lot into a day. Lorraine and Gerald, he always found time for you and made your home a special and precious place.”

The priest spoke of Adie's decency: “No family ever went hungry in town, isn't that the greatest legacy anyone could ever have?”

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Adie's son Gerald addressing the mourners said it was “a tough assignment” and one of “high emotion”. He spoke of the massive respect that was shown to his father.

“I will speak short and to the point, exactly what he would do,” Gerald said.

He noted his father was a brilliant public speaker, able to address gatherings off the cuff. He spoke of the “remarkable life of Adie”.

“He was the face of Lanesboro and Rathcline,” Gerald said, “He was renowned for his loyalty, hard work and commitment to family, friends and community. This is why there are so many people here today to say goodbye to him. His sense of humour was legendary, he was so droll and one liners.

“Dad had a no nonsense approach to getting things done, and always made time for family. He was a big softy at the end of the day and always had time for the craic.”

Gerald concluded saying: “Life is a wonderful gift and we are all so lucky to be part of it. If you needed help then there was no better man to go to  than dad, if he could help you he would.”

Adie's coffin was carried by family members and members of the Fine Gael party. Commandant Claire Mortimer, Aide De Camp representing the Taoiseach was among the mourners.

The funeral mass concluded with an extended applause for a man described as “a true legend”.

Adie will be dearly missed by his son Gerald, daughter Lorraine, grandson Oisin, sister Eugenie Mc Cabe, Lorraine's partner Alan, daughter in law Sarah, sister in law Doreen Corroon, brothers in law Jim Mc Cabe and Christy, Corroon, nieces, nephew, grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, relatives, former colleagues, neighbours and many friends.