There was sadness in the rural community of Shanahoe this week with the passing of the highly-regarded Martin (Murt) Kirwan.
The Kirwan family haulage business is known far and wide and the family are also deeply associated with Shanahoe GAA and Laois ladies football.
His wife Ann has been a driving force in the Shanahoe ladies football club and his daughters Mary, Martha and Noirin all represented Laois at senior level.
Martin played with Shanahoe in his younger days and was a keen supporter in more recent years and his sons and daughters enjoyed championship success in the club colours.
Martin passed away peacefully at his home at Togher Cross, Killeaney, surrounded by his loving family.
Predeceased by his parents, son John Paul and sister Mary he is deeply regretted his loving and heartbroken wife Ann, sons Martin, Anthony and Jimmy, daughters Mary, Martha and Nóirín.
He is also mourned by his 13 grandchildren, sister Kathleen, brothers Billy, Pad, Tom, Jim and Charlie, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends.
Martin’s funeral mass took place in Shanahoe on Wednesday of this week with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.