The Late Eamonn Foley Roads were blocked off and shops were closed as the entire town of Graignamanagh turned out to say farewell to one of its most-loved sons. Eamonn Foley 50 of Fairview, Graignamanagh died was was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery. Eamonn was a familiar face around Graignamanagh, where he was well-known and liked by everyone. He was huge part of the local community and was involved with almost every local club and group, but had a particular love for the local GAA, where he was known as the club's biggest fan. "Eamonn will be known for and wide by not only our own supporters but supporters of all other clubs in the county," said a message on the club's website. "A die hard Graig fan who never missed a match or training or anything the GAA club were ever involved in, he will be sadly missed by all our community and our GAA field will be a very lonely place without his presence." On Friday night, uniformed players from the Graignamanagh football and hurling teams formed a guard of honour for Eamonn's final journey from Walsh's Funeral Home to the Duiske Abbey. The cortege were followed by a massive procession of more than a thousand people, which stretched along Main Street and over the bridge. The crowd was so large that even the vast Duiske Abbey could not contain them all and some were left to stand outside. Inside, every seat and square inch of standing space was filled as mourners packed the Abbey to pay their respects to Eamonn. Parish priest Father Gerry Byrne spoke of a man who was almost a daily attendee at mass and an active member of the church. He said the GAA guard of honour and the massive crowd, including many children, was a testament to how many lives Eamonn had touched. "He was so much a part of our town and he was a great ambassador for Graignamanagh," Fr Byrne said. On Saturday afternoon, the Abbey was again packed to capacity for a final requiem mass before the burial. Eamonn, son of the late Jack and Peggy Foley, is survived by siblings, nieces and nephews. Courtesy of the Kilkenny People 21/December 2007 Tweet

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