Maher, Alo
February 22, 2006
Alo Maher
One of Portarlington's most admired citizens, Alo Maher of Marian Hill passed away at his residence on Monday night, February 20, 2006.
Alo will be fondly remembered by all in the town as a loving father who had to overcome one of the great tragedies that was ever witnessed in this country - a fire blazed through his family home and killed his wife and six of their children.
That tragedy occurred ten years ago this June and shocked the entire nation.
Alo's wife Breda and his children Mark (24), Barry (12), Joanne (9), Fiona (6) and Martina (2) all died at the scene of the blaze, while his eldest son Colm, a noted inter county footballer, died just days later in hospital from injuries sustained trying to rescue members of his family.
Alo Maher (59) showed great dignity and courage in trying to come to terms with his tragic loss as the entire country joined in grief and shock over the events on the night of June 2, 1996.
The surviving members of his family, close friends and community rallied around offering emotional, spiritual and financial support.
The example he set to the nation was acknowledged by President Mary Robinson at the time and Alo was also subsequently honoured with a Leinster Express People of the Year Award.
A month after the tragedy President Robinson met Alo and his five surviving sons at a reception held in Portarlington GAA Centre. The Maher family met the President privately at the function.
A month after that meeting in August, President Robinson was once again in Portarlington to mark the bi-centenary of the local Protestant Church. While being driven through the town, President Robinson called her cortege to a halt to stop and have a chat with Alo.
The funerals of the seven members of the Maher family saw thousands of mourners travel to the town of Portarlington.
An Taoiseach John Burton attended the funeral and condolences were expressed from every corner of the country. President of the GAA, Jack Boothman also attended and was a familiar face to the Maher family as he previously worked in the Laois town as a veterinary surgeon.
In recognition of the outstanding sporting talents of Alo's son Colm, Portarlington's GAA erected a stand in his memory. Alo survived to see the building progress and the opening of the Colm Maher Memorial stand.
On leaving school Alo worked for local firm Travel Goods. Some years later he moved to Gray Russell, which manufactured sports racquet's locally. He then joined the staff of the ESB at the local Power Station.
He reared his family with a great love of all things Irish. He attended the local CBS, and his entire family had a deep love of gaelic football. His late wife Breda was one of the top supporters of the club, always willing to raise funds. Alo played for Portarlington, and each of his sons played juvenile for the club.
The community of Portarlington formed a committee to support the Maher family, and it was chaired by Joe O'Dwyer, presently Chairman of Laois Football Board. "Alo carried himself with dignity despite the enormous tragedy he had to endure. He was always willing to stop and have a chat, he was a real gentleman," said Mr O'Dwyer.
Details of the funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised. Alo is survived by his five sons Paul (presently in Australia), Alo junior, Brendan, Vincent and Dominic; his brothers Joe and Dessie; sisters Mrs Kathleen Murphy and Mrs Lily Deegan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. The entire community of Portarlington shares in their mourning.
Courtesy of The Leinster Express
22 February 2006
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