Longford says farewell to Adie: ‘His actions spoke loud’

The passing of popular Lanesboro businessman, politician and publican Adie Farrell marks an end of an era.

Heartfelt sadness was the overwhelming emotion with the news that former Chairman of Longford County Council and popular publican Adie Farrell passed away on Monday afternoon.

Adie had been receiving treatment in Mullingar General Hospital up until his passing. He had a storied political career that commenced when he took over a seat vacated by the passing of his father, Ger, in 1970.
Predeceased by his late wife, Josephine, Adie is survived by his children Lorraine and Gerald.

The straight-talking Fine Gael elected representative was a tireless worker, both in his political undertakings and his commercial interests.
Adie served on Longford County Council for almost four decades up until 2009: “He was a fabulous local representative,”
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Mark Casey, said, “that 39 years was a great stint, and it was a testament to all the work he did in the area.”

Cathaoirleach Casey said Adie's contribution was immense: “Lanesboro is a worse off place without him. He had a thriving business in the heart of the town; he was a wool merchant, he was an undertaker, he was involved in the making of Lanesboro and it's very sad to hear of his passing.”

Those sentiments were echoed by other current serving council members: “He was a legendary figure in the Lanesboro area,” Cllr Paul Ross (FG) said, “Not only in politics, but in business as well. He had a large agri-store, he was chairman of the Rathcline GAA club for years.
“To retain his council seat for 39 years was a remarkable achievement. He was held in deep esteem in the Lanesboro area and will be sorely missed.”
Cllr Ross said his fellow party member did great work for his community: “It's not surprising that Lanesbor experienced an economic boom during those years. ESB Power and Bord Na Mona were huge employers. Lanesboro was a vibrant community in Adie's time as an elected representative and he drove it forward in any way he could. He left a great legacy behind him.
“He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke loud,” Cllr Ross concluded.

“Effective, witty, didn't say a lot, but got a lot done, that was Adie,” Senator Micheál Carrig said of the former political representative, “He got a lot done and that is why he was reselected to the local authority for so many years.
“He played a significant role in a wide range of local projects. He left a mark that will be there for a generation, and he will be sorely missed among those of us in Fine Gael. His son, Gerald, continued his legacy with me on Longford County Council for a number of years. The Farrell name is an indelible part of Fine Gael in Longford, and Adie was a cornerstone of that.”

Fellow Lanesboro man and MEP Ciaran Mullooly said: “Adrian Farrell was a one- off character. He was a pragmatic politician who served his community well and always put his community first. He was a witty man although a man of few words.
He was also an astute businessman who loved farming and sport. His likes will never be seen again.”

Reposing at Adie Farrell's Bar & Restaurant, Lanesboro, tomorrow Wednesday (October 2) from 4pm to 8pm. Funeral Cortege will leave the family home at 11:40am on Thursday, October 3, arriving at St Mary's Church, Lanesboro for Funeral Mass at 12 noon, Burial afterwards in Rathcline Cemetery.

All at the Longford Leader would like to extend their sympathies to the Farrell family on their loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.