Toner, John
October 06, 2009Tragically they were to lose their two youngest sons, Patrick and Brendan, in tragic circumstances.
In 1975, at the height of the Troubles, his seven-year-old son 'wee Pat' was killed when a landmine exploded while he was herding cattle close to the family home. The family's heartbreak was further compounded when a second son, Brendan, died as a result of a car accident in 1990.
Business
In the early years, John was a dedicated pig farmer and won many prizes at shows in Belfast and Dublin with his pedigree pigs.
However, in the early nineties John and Penelope took the decision to diversity from farming and built the shopping complex in the centre of the village, naming it Fairgreen Stores. The venture developed quickly, going from strength to strength and his family members currently operate various successful businesses from the complex.
Peadar O Doirnin's
Aside from his family, John's other great love was football. He devoted his life to the GAA and was a life-long and cherished member of the Peadar O Doirnin's GFC.
He instilled in his family a true love of Gaelic football and this reflects in the participation of his children and grandchildren in football and club activities.
One of the club's founder members, he was instrumental in the progression and development of O Doirnin's and his contribution was particularly noted when the club successfully secured the land form the Council where the playing fields and clubrooms are situated on the Bog Road.
Over the years, John was elected to just about every position in the club holding, at various times, the post of chairman, secretary, treasurer and indeed is the club's current President. Acknowledgement of his immense contribution was recognised when he was names as 'Clubman of the Year' countless times in the club's history.
Generous
John's generosity was not confined to his family and club but extended to the whole Forkhill community. When the parish was seeking a site for a new chapel, John was proud to donate his field on the outskirts of the village. He did not want recognition on reward for this huge act of generosity, instead he drew comfort from the fact, that the church was built in the field where his youngest child died.
Pre-deceased by his beloved wife in December 1998, John is survived by his children Tommy, Mary, Theresa, Sean, Gerry, Ann, Pauline, Nuala and Margaret, grandchildren and wider family circle.
His Requiem Mass will take place in the Church of St. Oliver Plunkett, Forkhill at 12 noon tomorrow (Tuesday) with burial in the Mullaghbawn cemetery.
Courtesy of The Examiner
6th October, 2009 Tweet
