Denis Lonergan
May 19, 2011Denis (Denny) Lonergan of Glengar, Burncourt left this earth, suddenly on Friday, April 24th. The community of Burncourt gathered at his funeral united not only in the desire to pay respect to Denny, but also in the need to recall the remarkable man that was Denny Lonergan. When his remains were received into the church, Fr Ryan recalled how Denny had been a founder member of the community council over 30 years ago; how that committee had converted a ramshackled old school into a community centre that remains today central to community life. Denny remained as a director of Burncourt Community Council until his death.
Denny was born September 1928 to Mary and Denis Lonergan of Glengar, Burncourt, eldest of six children- his sisters Mary and Kathleen and brothers Joe, Mick and Tommy and also reared with his cousin Katie O'Brien. Denny's father, also Denis (known as the Sniper) was an active member of the Flying Column in South Tipperary and part of a network of guerrilla fighters who fought for Irish independence.
Denny was brought up to a home imbued with a sense of patriotism and as a child, listened to the talk around the fire of the military campaigns that ultimately brought about Irish freedom. Denny in the tradition of his family remained a life-long supper of Fianna Fail and was honourary life president of the local cumann. He came from a religious, hard-working family and this stayed with him all his life.
When one speaks of a person's life, the achievements and legacy must be recalled. Denny was involved in many aspects of life in Burncourt. He was founder member of the pioneers in Burncourt and up to this year was active in that organisation. He was also a founding member, with Jimmy butler and Mikey Carroll of Macra in Burncourt in the 1960s. His great interest in GAA in borne out by his commitment to the local club. He was secretary of the Burncourt football club at the time they won the county football title in 1960.
One of his passions was however, quizzes and he participated in Scór. Denny and his team-mates, Jackie Condon and John Clogheesy won the All-Ireland title in 1978. In all the organisations he was involved in, no one ever fell out with him and to quote one of his friends 'if they did, it was their fault'. In all his work for the community, he was a giver and a doer. It's a wonder really that he had time for his work at home on the farm and in the forestry in Shanbally and Kilcorna. What people bring to the world is what really counts and Denny brought a huge amount to his community, to his friends and neighbours.
Denny's sister, Mary, spoke of Denny at his funeral Mass. He was a self-educated man; his interests were many. He could quote poetry, discuss books that he had read, and had a huge interest in local history. He knew all the place names, all the stories and all the history of the area. Denny also shared his knowledge.
Fr. Frawley also spoke of the many conversations he had with Denny at the church gate and summed him up quoting from Goldsmith's The Village Schoolmaster, 'And still they gazed and still the wonder grew that one small head could carry all he knew."
Denny was also a family man, a brother, an uncle and granduncle.
Denny was a man of routine. He came to Maureen Creed's shop everyday at 12.40. He went to his 45 card game on Tuesday. In these places, he met his friends and made new friends. Denny supported all the things, all the events run to generate funds for the community centre and for the church; he came to all the card games and quizzes. At a quiz night, it wasn't a question of who would win, but who would came second.
Well-spent days bring a happy sleep and a life well-used brings a happy death. There will never be his likes again.
RC
Courtesy of The Avondhu
19th May 2011 Tweet
