RIP: Longford community heartbroken by death of dedicated volunteer Shane Lawlor

Many glowing tributes have been paid to the late Shane Lawlor, Esker Glen, Drumlish, Longford who died suddenly on Saturday, February 15.

A committed family man, dedicated volunteer and a complete perfectionist, Shane’s passing evoked immense shock and sadness throughout county Longford and beyond. 

Shane was a true and loyal supporter of Drumlish Ballinamuck Community Games, and the local committee paid a heartfelt tribute. 

“It is with a very heavy heart that we pay tribute to Shane Lawlor. The Lawlor family have been dedicated volunteers within Community Games for many years, and Shane himself played an invaluable role, especially in mentoring boys' indoor soccer.

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“He was a proud father, always celebrating the achievements of his children, Niamh and Cian. Niamh excelled at national level in Model Making year after year and Cian played a key role in the 2023 historic U13 indoor soccer success. Shane was a constant source of encouragement to all children, always offering a kind word and unwavering support from the sideline.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Shane’s heartbroken wife, Orla, his cherished children, Niamh and Cian, his parents, and all his family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

As a mark of respect to the late Shane, the Longford Community Games Indoor Soccer finals fixed for Sunday, February 23 have been cancelled and they are rescheduled for March 9.

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Educated at St Michael’s NS and St Mel’s College, Shane was an avid Liverpool  supporter and local soccer club, Gaels United, paid tribute to their late coach. 

“Shane helped coach teams with Gaels United and no task was too much to ask, let it be to collect gear, give lifts or just take the team for the games or training, he did it with pride. Shane always was a friendly face to have around and a great man for the camera. He will be truly missed and his loss will weigh heavy on his family, friends and community.”

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Shane was a regular participant in Longford parkrun and he was remembered by his FCA colleagues as ‘a quiet friendly young man’. 

Fr Manning Gaels GAA also expressed shock and sadness at Shane’s sudden passing. 

“We offer our deepest condolences at this time to his wife Orla, daughter Niamh and son Cian who is a star player for our St Vincent’s U14 team. Shane had been a huge presence within the St Vincent’s Minor Club and had helped coach at numerous age groups and will be greatly missed by everyone in the club.”

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Shane worked in Hewlett-Packard and in Cardinal Health Tullamore with colleagues remembering him as a true gentleman, who was always courteous, positive, supportive and so proud of his family. 

 Cardinal Health co-workers described Shane as a top class professional whose expertise was truly recognised and appreciated. “Everybody had great time for Shane and as an engineer he was a complete perfectionist in everything he did.”

Shane was an absolute gentleman and a dedicated father and husband. He made great contributions to sports and community groups and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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Predeceased by his sister Susan (Susie), the late Shane Lawlor will be deeply missed by his wife Orla, daughter Niamh, son Cian, parents Pat and Mary, sisters Louise, Nikki and Clodagh, brothers Cathal and Conor, parents-in-law Eugene and Grainne Morris, brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and large circle of friends. 

Shane will be reposing in Our Lady's Manor Chapel, Edgeworthstown (N39 WF84) on Wednesday, February 19 from 6pm concluding with prayers at 8pm. Arriving in St Mary's Church, Drumlish on Thursday, February 20 for funeral mass at 11amfollowed by burial in the local cemetery. Funeral Mass will be streamed live HERE.