Much sadness in Lanesboro and Ballyleague following death of TidyTowns ‘Community Hero’

Noted for his dedication to whatever job he was at and his warmth of personality the death of James O’Neill, Cloontuskert on Friday, June 27 will be very sadly felt by everyone that had the pleasure to know him.

James, only 66 years of age, passed away at Mullingar Regional Hospital, and he was predeceased by his father Tommy and sister Bridget McDermott.

In recent years James was diagnosed with an obstructive pulmonary disease that inhibited his breathing, his lifestyle activity and his job.

His spirit and work ethic saw James work through his illness as best he could, especially in doing assiduous work for the Cloontuskert TidyTowns committee.

Such was his dedication to the TidyTowns that James had been highly commended as a SuperValu Community Hero at the SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards in 2019.

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He worked with Burlington in Clondra until it closed and then he worked a further 23 years in Casey’s Roscommon where he was recognised as very dependable and trustworthy by management and staff and recognised as the face of Casey’s by all the customers.

His quiet and gentle demeanour endeared him to everyone and his humour was always a stand out along with the recognition of him for his constant hard work and loyalty. He was a man who enjoyed a bet and was quite adept at picking winners or winning on the lottery game.

The absence of his presence in and around Cloontuskert and Casey’s Roscommon will be very sadly felt but the legacy he leaves behind will be one of his great work in helping the Cloontuskert Tidy Towns committee go from strength to strength and his utter loyalty to Casey’s.

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James reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home on Monday, June 30 before his removal to the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. Following the Mass of the Resurrection on Tuesday cremation took place at the Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.

To his daughter Shauna, son TJ, their mother Margaret, his mother Elizabeth, sisters Ann and Carmel, brother Denis, brothers-in-law Paddy and Bernie, Denis’ partner Marion, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and wide circle of friends, we extend our deepest sympathy.