RIP: 'A generous soul' - Sadness at death of proud Longford man Seamus Smyth in New York

Seamus Smyth began his life in Clonback, Aughnacliffe, Co Longford. At only 14 years of age, he began working locally in Mulligan’s shop and post office, Colmcille, a position which he held for ten years. Over that decade, he came to intimately know the shop regulars and  wider community, already a familiar face and dear friend to many.

Seamus was an outgoing  man, who lived life with passion in all that he did. During those years of working in Mulligan’s, his passion for theatre led him to the Longford Drama Society, in which he was heavily involved. He would go on to travel the length and breadth of Ireland with the group, winning no shortage of medals and trophies for their shared achievements in drama.

The Longford Drama Society would stay close to his heart, and the friends he made there would be lifelong, whether at home or overseas. Even after many more decades had passed, he never lost contact with them. 

At the age of 24, Seamus journeyed to America on a one-week voyage from Cobh, to join his  brother John and sisters Rose and Bridget abroad. His eldest sister Mary and eldest brother Frank remained at home in Longford. 

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After moving, he took up work for the American Postal  Service in New York, and remained there for 33 years. Although his body resided in New York, his heart would always lie at home in Ireland. Never wanting to lose his Longford roots, Seamus bought the Longford Leader every week without fail, to read in his apartment and stay up to date with local news. Every St Patrick’s Day, he could be seen proudly marching under the New York parade’s Longford banner, alongside other Longford emigrants. 

Ever a generous soul, Seamus also contributed to the O'Neill School Grant  programme, which partnered with Irish American individuals and allowed them to donate  their own funds to primary schools across Ireland. 

Seamus was especially proud of this upon receiving correspondence that some of his funds had gone to Lanesboro Primary School in Longford, which his grandnephew had been attending at the time. 

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A young man at heart, Seamus’ passion for arts and culture never waned, even after  retirement. He found great enjoyment in cruises, striking up a friendship with Drumlish-born  singer Declan Nerney, who would often find himself on the same ships, providing entertainment. During the writing of his song ‘My Native Town Drumlish’, Seamus was given the opportunity to write one line of his own, which he gladly obliged. Many people’s  fondest memories of Seamus are memories of song and dance, as Seamus’ passionate love of  dance was clear to all who spent time with him. 

Seamus visited home every 3 to 4 years while working, and for two decades after retirement, he would visit every year. Not only did he return home to see his family, but he made a point to  always visit his dear friends and neighbours as well. His last visit to Ireland was in 2018, two years after the passing of his last remaining brother Frank. 

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During this visit, he himself fell  ill, and could no longer return home out of concern for his health. However, he didn’t allow this to sever his ties to Ireland, as he continued to rely on the Longford Leader to keep him up  to date, and diligently kept in contact with all his loved ones and their families back home. Three weeks after Seamus, his sister Rosaleen, the last of the family, died.

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Seamus touched the hearts of all he met, spending his life helping everyone he could. He was  a deeply humble man, and as such, his family is constantly learning more of his achievements  and acts of selfless kindness. The constant memories and stories of him shared by those he  helped and loved every day will keep his memory alive for years to come. Beloved friend,  neighbour, uncle and granduncle, Seamus will rest forever in our hearts. 

Lovingly remembered by Seamus, Anna, Theresa, Carmel, Eugene and Margaret. 

Written by Shauna Donlon, Derryhaun. (Grandniece)

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