Highly respected Longford teacher left a legacy that continues to resonate deeply with those who knew him

It was with sadness we learned of the death of Eddie Leavy, Northyard, Scramogue, Roscommon / Lanesboro, Longford at Mullingar Regional Hospital on Sunday, September 22 following a short illness. 

Eddie, the youngest of the famed Leavy family of Main Street, Lanesboro, was predeceased by his parents James and Bridget, his sister Anne Matthews and only 5 months ago his brother Fr James. 

Eddie taught for thirty years at Templemichael College, Longford and lived at Northyard, Scramogue. 

Although he was always to be seen in town it was not until his retirement that he was present nearly every day helping out his brother Larry and his son Eamonn at their headstone and sculpture business. 

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During this past summer family members of his sister Mary came to visit from the U.S. and he shone light the brightest of beacons, proudly taking his family on the historic tour of his native town – it was a role he really cherished as his love of his native soil never diminished.

He followed all the happenings of the community with a great passion. Eddie’s passing will sadden the many hearts of everyone that knew him and that regard in which he was held was clearly visible by the attendance at his reposing at his home in Northyard and again at his Funeral Mass and burial in Scramogue.

Templemichael College paid a poignant tribute to their late former teacher. “It is with great sadness that we at Templemichael College heard this week of the passing of retired teacher Mr Edward (Eddie) Leavy. Edward, a native of Scramogue, began his teaching career at Templemichael College in 1980 after spending 7 years in Kildare.  Edward retired from his teaching career 14 years ago, but the legacy he left behind continues to resonate deeply with those who knew him.

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“Fondly remembered for his calm and welcoming classroom, Edward taught Woodwork and Technical Graphics. His teaching style was marked by fairness, respect, and a genuine desire to see his students succeed. He was admired by both students and staff as a gifted and creative teacher, always striving to bring out the best in everyone. Many of his students found a lifelong passion in the subjects he taught, with some even choosing to follow in his footsteps and become Woodwork teachers themselves, a testament to his influence as a mentor. His passion for his craft also led him to become a founder member of the Shannonside Woodturners Chapter, where he fostered creativity and craftsmanship among fellow enthusiasts of the local area.

“Edward’s contributions to Templemichael College extended far beyond the classroom.  He was a dedicated supporter of the school community, serving as the coordinator of the Post Leaving Cert Courses and generously sharing his skills by teaching evening Woodturning courses to adults. 

“In addition to his talents as an educator and woodworker, Edward had a great love for sport. He coached many of the school’s soccer teams and took great pride in organising many Soccer trips to England, offering students memorable opportunities to attend football matches. His love for fostering teamwork extended beyond the school as a founding member of the Tarmonbarry Marathon which brought the community together to raise funds for the local club. This same dedication to community was reflected in organising the annual School Sponsored Walk, which brought students, staff, and families together to raise funds for the school.

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“Among his colleagues, Eddie was known as a loyal and true gentleman. He enjoyed their company, especially during the spirited conversations with the “lunchtime gang.” His warm presence, good humour and gift for storytelling brought joy to those around him, and he will be missed by all who had the privilege of sharing those special moments with him. We offer our sincere condolences to his wife Bridie, sons Enda, Kevin, Eamonn; daughter Deirdre and the extended Leavy family.”

St Barry’s GAA also paid tribute to the late Eddie. “Last week, we said goodbye to our friend Eddie Leavy after a short illness. Eddie was a hugely popular character in our club, a great clubman that held many positions in the club over the years. 

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“Eddie worked with underage teams for a number of years and served on many committees within the club, usually adding a quiet and a reasoned voice to debates, and was heavily involved with getting much-needed grant funding for our facility improvements and Community walkway. 

“Eddie was one of the founders of Tarmonbarry 3/4 & half marathon and 8k, acted as race director for many years, and one of a small dedicated band of people who kept the event alive in the years before the resurgence in popularity of running in recent years.”

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St Mel’s Musical Society, Longford also fondly remembered the late Eddie. “On behalf of all at St Mel's Musical Society, we extend our deepest sympathies to past members Kevin & Deirdre and all the Leavy family on the loss of Edward.

Eddie was a valued and respected member of our backstage crew for a number of productions. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.”

Devoted husband of Bridie (née Feeney), beloved father of Enda, Kevin, Eamonn and Deirdre. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Molly, Darragh and Aoibhinn, brothers Larry and Pat, sisters Mary McGowan (New Jersey) and Breda O'Loughlin (Kilkenny), his children's spouses and partner Colette, Christina and David, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Eddie was laid to rest on Thursday morning, September 26, following Requiem Mass in St Anne's Church, Scramogue.