The wider community of Ballacolla was thrown into a deep sense of shock and sadness early this week with the news of the sudden death of Seamus Maher.
Seamus passed away, aged in his mid 60s, while on holidays in Malta with his wife Aideen.
As news of his passing spread, he was remembered as a great neighbour, friend and community man with a good-humoured and generous nature.
He is survived by his sons Shane and Darren, daughters Clodagh and Oonagh, daughter-in-law Denise and adored granddaughter Laura.
He is also mourned brothers Christy and Tommy, sisters Mary, Breda, Terri and Kate, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and wider family.
The Maher family have made an immense contribution to Ballacolla life over the decades and are particularly associated with the Clough-Ballacolla GAA club.
Seamus served as treasurer of the club for a number of years while his daughter Oonagh is the current chairperson and son Shane is a former secretary.
His son Darren, who hurled with the Laois seniors, has five senior championship medals with the club, including one as captain in 2015.
“Seamus was a man who greatly valued friendship and community,” says his death notice.
“His family would like to acknowledge the love, support and sympathies extended to them from his large circle of friends.”
Originally from Kildangan in Kildare, the Mahers moved to Ballacolla in the late 1970s when they bought the Hawthorn pub in the village.
And they’ve been giving to the community ever since. Indeed Seamus, as a perceived ‘outsider’ was a key individual in the 1980s when the local GAA club transitioned from St Canice’s to Clough-Ballacolla.
Funeral details will be announced in the coming days.
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