Delaney, Christy
January 08, 2010'One of life's gentlemen', was how a friend described Christy Delaney, who passed away.
Christy's popularity among the community in Longford and farther afield was clearly evident in the large crowds that attended his removal and funeral ceremonies, which took place in Laurel Lodge and St. Mary's Church, Newtownforbes.
A native of Ballaghmore, Co. Laois, located close to the border of Tipperary, Christy had a deep passion for the game of hurling. A distinguished hurler in his youth, with his local GAA club, Kyle he played representative hurling with Laois, before his work would take him away from his native parish, and eventually see him setting in Longford town.
Christy started with An Post as a boy messenger in 1951 In Roscrea. Two years later, he went on to train as clerk in Thurles, before moving to Wicklow in 1955.
The following year, on November 18, 1956, he started work as a clerk in Longford town.
In 1966, he was the first to buy a house in the then newly developed Ardnacassa estate, where he settled with is wife Maureen, and where they reared four children, Niall, Mairead, Cristín and Mairian.
He became active in the local community and when a residents' association was established in Ardnacassa, Christy was an active member, holding various positions on the committee.
Towards the end of his career with the postal service, he was appointed superintendent in Longford Post Office, taking over from Mick Kelly. He retired on April 3, 1999 completing a 46 year career with An Post.
Christy's love of hurling saw him become involved when Longford Slashers hurling club was re-formed in 1979. He took up the position of sectary, and in the intervening period he held various positions with the club, and was President of the Hurling Club at the time of his passing.
In 1997, he received Longford Slashers' highest accolade when he was awarded the 'Club Person of the Year', such was the work he put into the hurling side of the club. He was also involved with the county hurling team, as selector.
Christy passed away after a short illness, bravely borne. Evening prayers were held in Laurel Lodge Nursing Home, followed by removal to St. Mary's Church, Newtownforbes on Monday 4th January. Former work colleagues at An Post and members of Longford Slashers GAA club formed a guard of honour.
Following funeral Mass on Tuesday, burial took place in Ballymaccormack cemetery.
Christy is survived by his wife Maureen, son Niall, daughters Mairéad, Cristín and Miriam, brothers Kerney and Paddy, sister Marjorie, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren Megan, Lauryn, Seán and Molly, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Courtesy of the Longford Leader
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