RIP: Longford mourns death of loyal GAA supporter who also loved attending local marts

An air of sadness and genuine regret decended on the Coolarty and surrounding area on Friday, March 20, when the news became known that Francis Brady of Lisrathigan had passed to his eternal reward in the loving care of his sisters Ann and Theresa and his close friends following an illness.

Son of the late Francie and Marcella (Corcoran) Brady, Francis was a past pupil of St Patrick's National school in Killeen and also of Cnoc Mhuire in Granard. 

Francis was a kind decent man who was always ready to help a neighbour and he will be sorely missed in the neighbourhood for a long time.

Francis was a talented footballer and as a minor player with St Mary's he proved to be a tough but very fair opponent and later on with his beloved Ballymore he always shone out in his own very quiet way and was always the one that could be depended on to deliver when the pressure was on.

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Following his retirement from the playing field, Francis remained a very loyal supporter of all Ballymore teams and he was a regular at most of the ladies matches as well as the gents and no doubt he and his great friend Martin Reilly discussed tactics before and after games.

As a farmer Francis loved attending the local marts and his advice and farming knowledge was often sought by his neighbours and friends and of course he appreciated the help he received especially in the past few months when he became seriously ill.

Francis was a man of great faith and this really helped him accept his illness as the will of God.

His remains reposed in Smith's funeral home in Granard on Sunday evening and great crowds passed through to offer sincere sympathy to Ann and Theresa and to his cousins and friends and both Ballymore and St Mary's clubs formed a Guard of honour as the hearse left the grounds to bring Francis home to Lisrathigan for the final night.

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Francis' funeral Mass was celebrated in St James Church in Clonbroney on Monday morning, March 23 and his cremation was in Cavan afterwards.

We offer sincere sympathy to his sisters Ann and Theresa, to his cousins and to all those friends who will miss his kindness,his company and his friendship. May he rest in peace.