RIP: Deep sadness as Longford community mourns death of highly respected father and son

The communities of Ballinalee and Ballymakeegan were united in mourning this week following the death of popular businessman and bus service operator Shane Carrigy in a tragic accident last Thursday. Just two days later, Shane’s father, Michael, also passed away following an illness. 

Emergency services had battled to save Shane after he sustained serious injuries during a workplace accident. 

Sadly, despite the best efforts of the paramedics, the 45-year-old was pronounced dead a short time later. 

His funeral took place last Sunday in Ballinalee’s Holy Trinity Church followed by burial in St Emer's Cemetery. 

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On Saturday, the day before the funeral, Shane’s father Michael passed away in hospital.

Shane’s funeral service, which was celebrated by close friend, Fr Joe McGrath, and seven concelebrants, heard of Shane’s zest for life, his penchant for ideas, his chatty nature and outgoing personality, and above all, his deep love for his wife, Anne, and their two children, Kayla (5) and Ryan (3). 

Shane - a cousin of Longford Fine Gael TD, Micheál Carrigy - ran a successful family business, Carrigy’s Coaches, which was first established by Shane’s father 26 years ago.

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According to the company, it was under Shane’s management that Carrigy Coaches grew to become “one of the leading professional coach and mini coach operators in the midlands.”

His love of conversation and his strong work ethic were all reflected in the gifts brought to the altar during the funeral mass, namely, a bluetooth headset, which was brought forward by John McGuire, and a work diary, as brought forward by Jimmy Barrett.

From his time playing underage football right through to senior with his club, Seán Connollys, Shane was known as a proud and dedicated club man. 

This staunch love of local GAA was reflected in both the Longford and Sean Connolly's jerseys that were brought to the altar as gifts by his sister Michelle. 

Similarly, tickets from a recent trip to Anfield were also presented at the altar by his good friend, Fintan Fox - a symbol of having been a lifelong Liverpool fan. 

In the Holy Trinity Church in Shane's home village of Ballinalee last Sunday, no seat was left empty as mourners filled the church to capacity to pay their respects. 

Some had even flown in from as far as New York to say their goodbyes to the “pure gentleman” affectionately known as ‘Uncle Boo’ to his nephews. 

The large attendance - his brother Michael said in his eulogy - reflected the enormous number of connections Shane had made. 

As the communities of Ballinalee and Ballymakeegan come to terms with the loss of both Shane and his father Michael, Fr Joe McGrath says it will take time for those closest to get used to life in their absence. 

The late Shane Carrigy, Ballymakeegan, Longford and formerly of Lislea, Ballinalee, Longford, who passed to his eternal reward on Thursday, November 27, was predeceased by his mother Catherina, and very sadly, his father Michael, died just two days later on Saturday, November 29. 

Sympathy is extended to Shane’s beloved wife and best friend Anne, his cherished children Kayla and Ryan. His sister Michelle and brothers Raymond, Michael (Karena) and Aiden, father in law Pat Joe, mother in law Maria, brother in law Michael, sisters in law Margaret (Dermot), Patricia (Gerard) and Marie, nephews, nieces, uncles,aunts,cousins,extended family and a large circle of friends.

Following his Funeral Mass on Sunday, November 30 in Holy Trinity Church, Ballinalee he was laid to rest in St Emer's Cemetery, Ballinalee.​​​​​

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The late Michael Carrigy, Lislea, Ballinalee, Longford, died peacefully on November 29, surrounded by his loving family, in his 80th year. Predeceased by his beloved wife Catherina and his dearly loved son Shane. 

Michael will be sadly missed and always remembered by his daughter Michelle, sons Michael (Karena), Aiden and Raymond, his cherished grandchildren Eoghan, Aaron, Cillian, Cian, Odhrán, Kayla and Ryan; his daughter-in-law, Anne (Carrigy); sisters Eileen (Boyle) and Kathleen (Corkery), brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, extended family, and his many wonderful neighbours, colleagues and friends.

Michael's Funeral Mass will be held at 12 noon today, Wednesday, December 3 in the Holy Trinity Church, Ballinalee. Following Mass, Michael will be laid to rest in the family plot in St Emer's Cemetery.

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