Broderick, Lar
November 19, 2008
The sudden death recently of Laurence (Lar) Broderick brought a great sense of sadness and loss to his local parish of Ballacolla and the wider Laois community. The huge crowds at his funeral on Monday, October 27 bore fitting testament to a man who served his county, parish and local community throughout his life.
Although retired from farming for a number of years, Lar's interest in all things agricultural remained strong and vibrant. His commitment and contribution to farm politics was immense. He was a founder member of Durrow Macra, and an active IFA member. He served on ACOT in the 1970s and 80s, and was a lifelong member of the Ossory Show Society. At the time of his death he was President of the Show Society.
Lar's contribution and interests extended to many facets of community, social and sporting life. Steeped in Fine Gael, he was also a member of St. Vincent de Paul and Probus.
GAA was one of his great passions, both on and off the pitch. As a player with his local club in the 1940s and 50s he was part of the championship winning teams of that era. When his playing days were over, he continued to serve Clough/Ballacolla as an administrator.
He was hugely instrumental in the development of the parish playing field and the building of the Hawthorn Community Centre. He followed with great pride the fortunes of Laois county teams and, in September of this year, he attended his 70th All Ireland senior football final in Croke Park.
Lar travelled widely and as far afield as Australia and New Zealand. He was well known for his creative ideas and travel endowed him with knowledge and experiences which he was subsequently was to adopt on his own farm. He was always open to new ideas, loved the company of other people, and was a great reader.
In his latter years, Lar bore ill health with fortitude and optimism, which reflected his positive outlook on life.
He is sadly missed by his wife Kathleen, sons Michael and Raymond, daughters Helena, Irene and Joan, daughters-in-law Breda and Patsy, sons-in-law Pat and Liam, sisters Eileen and Kathleen, brothers-in-law Sean and Lot, 11 grand children, nieces, nephews and a very large circle of friends.
The gifts offered at his Mass reflected the story of his life: The Farmers Journal, a hurl and football, a St. Vincent de Paul booklet and a map of his travels. Guard of honour were provided by the GAA Club, IFA, Fine Gael, Probus, Ossory Show and the Pioneers Association.
Following Requiem Mass, celebrated by Fr Peter Daly OMJ, his remains were interred in Ballacolla cemetery on October 27.
Leinster Express, 19th November 2008
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