There was sadness in the village of Ballybrittas this week following the passing of Seamus (Jim) Downey.
A former member of An Garda Siochana, Mr Downey, who is originally from Monasterevin, passed away on Sunday July 4. He is predeceased by his father Paddy.
He is sadly missed by his wife Margaret, daughters Emma and Hannah and his grandson Paddy.
And deeply regretted by his mother Kathleen, sisters Eileen, Gráinne, brothers Declan, Pádraig and Joseph, his mother in law, brothers in law, sisters in law, uncle Fr. Joe, aunt Nellie, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours, friends and colleagues.
Seamus’ uncle, Fr Joe Beere, said his funeral mass on Tuesday in St John’s Church, Killenard.
Seamus loved to ride his bike, play cards and golf, enjoyed DIY and was also proud to serve as a Garda for three decades.
Fr Beere said: “Our great friend is gone to the Lord. We give thanks for Seamus, because he was Seamus.
“A gentleman, a friend and a caring man. He was very proud to be a member of the Garda Siochana for 30 years.
“We are all shattered by the death of Seamus. He was a good man – good because he cared about people.
“I met Luke and Henry, who worked with Seamus at different times, recently. They both said the same thing.
“They said that Seamus was a man who was good to be around – full of fun and divilment but caring and understanding.
“Seamus was a very good father and a very good husband. He will be sadly missed by his family, the bikers, his colleagues in the Gardai and everyone who knew him.
“We pray and know that Seamus is now at peace with the Lord.”
Seamus was laid to rest in the cemetery in Killenard following the mass.
May he Rest in Peace.
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