The death has occurred of Mrs Margaret (Peg) Fleming – mother of Laois Fianna Fail TD Sean – in her 96th year.
Mrs Fleming (nee Griffin) was originally from Castlegregory in Kerry but moved to Laois many years ago after qualifying as a primary school teacher. She married John Fleming from The Swan, who pre-deceased her, and they had 10 children – Mary, Lazerian, Jim, Padraig, Leo, Margaret, Anne, Sean, Brendan and Joseph.
She is survived by her 10 children, her daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
The Fleming family have deep Fianna Fail connections. Sean has served as a TD since 1997 while Padraig is currently a Laois County Councillor and is due to be elected Cathaoirleach in June.
Leo is married to Frances Lalor, daughter of former TD, Minister and MEP Paddy Lalor. There was also a strong Fleming link to the 1916 Rising as Eamon Fleming, John’s brother, was a Commander. There was also a strong friendship between the Flemings and former Taoiseach Sean Lemass, going back to the formation of the family business Flemings Fireclay in The Swan, when Lemass was Minister for Industry and Commerce.
Mrs Fleming is reposing at her home in The Swan this Monday evening, with rosary at 9pm. Removal on Tuesday evening to arrive at St Mary’s Church in Wolfhill for 7.30pm. Requiem mass on Wednesday afternoon at 1pm followed by burial in Clogh cemetry.
Tom Irwin, RIP
Elsewhere, the death has also occurred of Tom Irwin from Ballyroan. The Irwin family have a long association with Ballyroan GAA with his sons Liam and John part of the Laois team that won the National Football League in 1986. Liam was honoured as an All Star that year – one of only five Laois footballers ever to achieve that accolade.
Indeed the Irwin link with successful Laois teams goes back to 1926 when Tom’s father Bill was on the Laois team that won the first National League title.
Tom Irwin is deeply regretted by his loving wife Annie, sons Liam and John, daughter-in-law Kathleen, partner Seana, grandchildren Aine, Mary, and Willie, relatives and friends.
He is reposing at his residence from 5pm today, Monday and from 12 noon on Tuesday with Rosary at 9.30pm. Removal on Wednesday to St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyroan for 11am Requiem Mass. Burial afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery. Family flowers only please. House private on Wednesday morning by request.
SEE ALSO – Deaths in Laois – Monday, May 1, 2017
