RIP: Longford shocked by death of great businessman who provided huge employment

On Sunday evening, January 18, the entire county and especially the Bunlahy area where stunned and shocked when the news became known that Michael Blessington of Coolcor, Granard had passed to his eternal reward following a very sudden illness.

He was predeceased by his infant son Paul Francis, parents Eugene and Annie and their infant son Tom, and his siblings Margaret, Janey and Tom.

Beloved husband of Settie and dear Dad to David, Niall and Fiona, the late Mickey was a past pupil of St Guasacht's National School in Bunlahy and Cnoc Mhuire Secondary school in Granard and with Settie and the family he has owned and very successfully operated Rhyne Rock for the past thirty years.

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As a young man Mickey had a great interest in sport and would have played hurling in Bunlahy and of course this interest continued and he took great pride in his families achievements both on and off the playing field. 

Mickey was a hard worker who obviously had a great head for business and with the great support of Settie they have provided huge employment in the area over the years and no doubt it would be his wish that this will continue into the future. 

His remains reposed in Smith's funeral home in Granard on Wednesday evening, January 21 and large crowds passed through to say a fond farewell to one of nature's great gentlemen and to offer sympathy and support to his family and friends who will miss him greatly. 

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On Thursday afternoon Mickey's funeral Mass was celebrated in St Mary's Church in Granard and he was laid to rest in the family plot in Granarkille cemetery.