The Closutton, Leighlin and Old Leighlin areas of Co Carlow were shocked and saddened at the sudden death of Seamus Long on Monday 10 June. Son of the late Stephen and Mary Long of Closutton, he died suddenly at his home at the age of 58. Seamus, affectionately known as "The Herc', was a well-known popular member of the farming community in Old Leighlin.

Despite having no children of his own, he was a devoted family man, dedicating his time to his brothers, sisters and to his nieces and nephews. Nothing made Seamus, happier than family gatherings. The kettle was always boiling in anticipation of a guest and a story ready to be told in Closutton for the many visitors to the house.

Seamus was educated in Leighlinbridge National School, where he acquired the nickname 'Hercules', which was then shortened to 'The Herc'. The nickname
remained with him for the rest of his life.

He received his secondary education at St Joseph's Academy, Bagenalstown. After leaving school, Seamus took over the running of the family farm, specialising in tillage. He was well known and very popular in the farming community.

Seamus played Gaelic football with Old Leighlin, winning a Carlow junior football championship in 1974 and an intermediate title the following year. He played mostly in midfield. Seamus continued to play senior championship football for a number of years. In 1976, he had the distinction of being the first player to score for Old Leighlin in senior championship football while playing against Clonmore.
Coming towards the end of his football career in 1986, with his team having been downgraded to intermediate status, Seamus was again playing at midfield with Old
Leighlin, helping the men in blue and white to win the county championship.

After his retirement, Seamus continued to be involved with the administrative side of the club. He acted as club treasurer and was heavily involved in the purchasing
of the new Old Leighlin football pitch in 1986. Seamus continued to be a lifelong supporter of the club and attended the Old Leighlin versus Palatine match on the night before he died.
He also played with St Lazerian's Hurling Club, winning a junior championship in 1975. He was actively involved in the founding of the local Parnell's Hurling Club and played with them for many years, winning a junior championship in1981 and intermediate championship medals in '84 and '87. Seamus also played for the Carlow senior hurling team.

He was waked at his home in Closutton before the removal to Leighlinbridge Church on Thursday 13 June. A guard of honour was provided by members of Old Leighlin GFC and former members of Parnell's Hurling Club. The funeral Mass was celebrated by his first cousin, Fr PJByrne, who was assisted by Fr Tom Lalor, PP, Leighlinbridge and Patrick Roche.

Seamus is fondly remembered by his brothers Michael and Martin, his sisters Brenda and Mary, brother-in-law Luke, sister-in-law Esther, his nieces and nephews,
extended family and a wide circle of friends.

The Month's Mind Mass for Seamus was celebrated on Saturday 20 July by Fr Lalor in St Lazerian's Church, Leighlinbridge.

Courtesy of The Carlow Nationalist Tweet

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