Halpin, John
February 05, 2011Former Taoiseach John Bruton has lead the tributes to the well known County Limerick Farmer, John Halpin, who lost his life following an accident on his farm at the weekend.
Mr Halpin, 72, who was from Kilmallock was chairperson of the local Fine Gael branch.
Former Taoiseach, John Bruton, who is the chairman of the IFSC in Dublin, visited Mr Halpin's farm at Coolroe, Killallock during the 1997 election campaign where he enjoyed a tour of the farm facilities after visiting the local mart in Kilmallock. He also enjoyed tea and refreshments with the Halpin family at their family home during the visit.
"I am really sorry to hear this, "said Mr Bruton of Mr Halpin's death when contacted by the Limerick Leadder this week.
Members of the local Fine Gael branch in Kilmallock performed a guard of honour both at Mr Halpin's removal from Daffy's funeral home on Monday night and again following his funeral Mass at Ss Peter and Paul's Church, Kilmallock on Tuesday.
"John Halpin was held in great esteem," said local Fine Gael councillor mike Houlihan.
"He was a model farmer and had a model farm. People often admired the farm when they passed by," he added.
Canon Willie Fitzimons, PP, Kilmallock who was the chief celebrant at the funeral mass remembered Mr Halpin "as a very progressive farmer".
"He joined other members of the farming community on agricultural and educational trips abroad sponsored by Teagasc, over the years," said Canon Fitzmaurice who was assisted by nine priests at the funeral Mass including former class mates of Mr Halpin and priests from neighbouring parishes.
"Three of his granduncles were priests in the Limerick diocese in the 19th Century. An uncle of Mr Halpin's, of the same name, is buried in the church grounds in Kilmallock," he continued.
A former student of St Munchin's College in Limerick, Mr Halpin won a county minor medal with Killmallock in 1955. He was an avid rugby fan, a proud Munster supporter and attended many rugby games during his life. He was also on the Golden Vale Creamery Board.
The esteem in which Mr Halpin was held locally was evident from the huge numbers of people who paid their respects at his funeral Mass, amongst them, well-known Fine Gael figures including former MEP and government minister Tom O'Donnell as well as local councillors, past and present.
Mr Halpin died tragically following an accident on his farm at Coolroe, Kilmallock at around 11 o'clock on Saturday. He was taken to the Mid-western regional Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Health and Safety Authority have been noticed.
Mr Halpin is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughter Marie, sons Noel and Brendan along with extended family and friends.
He was laid to rest at Ardkilmartin cemetery.
Courtesy of the Limerick Leader 15/2/11
Former Taoiseach John Bruton has lead the tributes to the well known County Limerick Farmer, John Halpin, who lost his life following an accident on his farm at the weekend.
Mr Halpin, 72, who was from Kilmallock was chairperson of the local Fine Gael branch.
Former Taoiseach, John Bruton, who is the chairman of the IFSC in Dublin, visited Mr Halpin's farm at Coolroe, Killallock during the 1997 election campaign where he enjoyed a tour of the farm facilities after visiting the local mart in Kilmallock. He also enjoyed tea and refreshments with the Halpin family at their family home during the visit.
"I am really sorry to hear this, "said Mr Bruton of Mr Halpin's death when contacted by the Limerick Leadder this week.
Members of the local Fine Gael branch in Kilmallock performed a guard of honour both at Mr Halpin's removal from Daffy's funeral home on Monday night and again following his funeral Mass at Ss Peter and Paul's Church, Kilmallock on Tuesday.
"John Halpin was held in great esteem," said local Fine Gael councillor mike Houlihan.
"He was a model farmer and had a model farm. People often admired the farm when they passed by," he added.
Canon Willie Fitzimons, PP, Kilmallock who was the chief celebrant at the funeral mass remembered Mr Halpin "as a very progressive farmer".
"He joined other members of the farming community on agricultural and educational trips abroad sponsored by Teagasc, over the years," said Canon Fitzmaurice who was assisted by nine priests at the funeral Mass including former class mates of Mr Halpin and priests from neighbouring parishes.
"Three of his granduncles were priests in the Limerick diocese in the 19th Century. An uncle of Mr Halpin's, of the same name, is buried in the church grounds in Kilmallock," he continued.
A former student of St Munchin's College in Limerick, Mr Halpin won a county minor medal with Killmallock in 1955. He was an avid rugby fan, a proud Munster supporter and attended many rugby games during his life. He was also on the Golden Vale Creamery Board.
The esteem in which Mr Halpin was held locally was evident from the huge numbers of people who paid their respects at his funeral Mass, amongst them, well-known Fine Gael figures including former MEP and government minister Tom O'Donnell as well as local councillors, past and present.
Mr Halpin died tragically following an accident on his farm at Coolroe, Kilmallock at around 11 o'clock on Saturday. He was taken to the Mid-western regional Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Health and Safety Authority have been noticed.
Mr Halpin is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughter Marie, sons Noel and Brendan along with extended family and friends.
He was laid to rest at Ardkilmartin cemetery.
Courtesy of the Limerick Leader 5/2/11 Tweet
