Funeral announced for Laois accident victim

FUNERAL details have been announced for a father-of-five who was killed in a tragic accident in Laois at the weekend.

Seán Geoghegan from Coolbally, Clough, Ballacolla will be laid to rest in his home village this Friday.

Very popular and highly regarded in the farming community, he lost his life in a devastating accident near Cullohill on Saturday. His sudden death has caused enormous shock and grief for his family and the local community.

Mr Geoghegan worked for a number of local farmers and had finished milking a dairy herd before the tragedy.

It is understood that he was carrying out repairs to his car, which was hoisted by a tractor, when the fatal incident occurred.

His family has asked that donations in lieu of flowers be made to Embrace FARM, the Laois-founded organisation that supports people bereaved by farm accidents.

His remains will repose at his home in Coolbally (R32 KP28) this Thursday from 1pm, pausing for the Rosary at 8pm.

Requiem Mass in St Canice's Church, Clough, Ballacolla at 12 noon on Friday will be followed by burial immediately afterwards in St Fergal's Cemetery, Ballacolla.

He is deeply mourned by his heartbroken wife Barbara, children Hannah, Kevin, Jamie-Louise, Clodagh and Aaron, his devoted mother Breda, his grandson Rian, his brothers and sisters Liam, Mary, Gerry, Ann, Theresa, Paddy, Paul, Catherine and Stephen, aunts and uncles, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

The house will be strictly private on Friday morning, with family flowers only.

Emergency services attended the scene and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is carrying out an investigation, to establish the exact circumstances of the fatal incident.

A vote of sympathy to the family was proposed at Monday's meeting of Laois Co Council by Cllr John King, who said his death was a huge loss to the farming community, where he was very well-known and highly respected.

Describing his death as a terrible tragedy, Cllr Ollie Clooney said Mr Geoghegan was a very hard worker and a great family man whose death was a huge loss to his family and community.