There is deep sadness in Abbeyleix this week following the sad passing of Cathal Clooney.
The Third Year Heywood Community School student, 15, passed away peacefully in Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Dublin, on Sunday April 11.
Cathal is deeply regretted by his heartbroken parents William and Anne-Marie, his cherished brother Liam, grandparents Joe and Lil, grandaunts, granduncles, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.
Cathal was a junior member of Spink Comhaltas and they paid him a heartfelt tribute.
They said: “Cathal was a musician with us for many years, starting via Scoil Mhuire, and was a fine musician playing tin whistle, his grand-father’s button accordion and more recently melodeon.
“His great interest and passion in music was matched with his dignity, kindness and friendliness as well as his courage.
“Cathal represented Spink Comhaltas with distinction in Fleadh
competitions, community events and charity events and could always be relied upon to provide support to us.
“He was committed, reliable, always good humoured and enthusiastic.
“The loss that everyone in Spink Comhaltas who knew Cathal is feeling now is huge, but is nothing compared to the devastation that his parents Anne Marie and Willie, his brother Liam, his grand-parents and wider family are experiencing.
“I ask you to remember Cathal and his family in your prayers.”
While Abbeyleix Parish Priest Fr Paddy Byrne expressed the deep sadness that in on the community following Cathal’s passing.
He said: “The whole community is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of a wonderful young man.
“Our hearts go out at a time of a pandemic when there are restrictions in place; there is solidarity from all the people in the area.
“Despite his short life, he has made a huge contribution to so many lives around him.”
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private Family Funeral will take place.
Cathal’s funeral will arrive for 12 noon Requiem Mass on Thursday in The Church of The Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix via the Mountrath Road.
The mass will be live streamed and burial will take afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
May Cathal Rest in Peace.
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