McAleer, Ian
January 31, 2012Everyone who knew Ian, without fail, described him as someone who was kind, loving, loyal, honest, generous, considerate and fun- a true gentleman. He lived with his family in Fr. Angelus Park, Westport. It was here that he would develop his love for tea, and it ability to create an environment where people would congregate and chat. At five years of age the family moved to the current family home in Farnaught, Westport. Ian truly loved his brothers Andrew and Stephen and spent hours playing soccer, rugby, gaelic, building huts and all forms of games with them, and their cousins and neighbours into evening and night.
Ian was a past pupil of Scoil Phádraig and Rice College in Westport and was much loved by fellow pupils and teachers alike. Following his Leaving Certificate, Ian chose and was accepted into GMIT in Galway where he was only three/four months into a four year Computer Software Development degree/diploma at the time of his sudden passing. From his early teenage years, sport was to play a big part in Ian's life. He represented Westport in gaelic, soccer and rugby and won an U-14 gaelic county championship medal and an U-16 soccer Connacht Cup medal. When not playing sport he loved watching it, especially his two favourite teams Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Sadly, the Chelsea v Manchester City match on Monday night was the last one he would see- he would however have been pleased with the result.
Ian was a most kind and loving person, who loved people and had time for everyone. If there was ever a visitor to the house he would always offer them a cuppa so that they would have to stay longer and chat- a skill he learned from his early years. He loved his family, his girlfriend Caragh and his friends tremendously.
He would always find time for his cousins, whether that meant reading a story, kicking football, playing on the computer or Xbox or going to the beach. Ian never really wanted material things- his biggest wish was to spend time with Mum and Dad and his brothers. Family holidays meant a lot to Ian and he looked forward to them with relish. Ian always kept in constant touch with his parents and shared his daily life with them.He knew how much they loved him.
In the few months Ian had grown immensely as a young man. His pride in passing his driving test at the first attempt and his decision to enrol in GMIT had given him such confidence and enthusiasm- he had never been happier in himself. His culinary skills and ability to find humourous nicknames for his classmates were only staring to come to the fore.
Ian was beautiful and loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, boyfriend and friend. He enriched the lives of everyone who knew him.
Following repose at McGing's Funeral Home on Thursday December 15, Ian was taken to St Mary's Church for his funeral ceremony and prayers. His Funeral Mass took place on Friday December 16, and was officiated at by Fr Charlie McDonnell, Adm Westport, Fr Ray Browne, a relative of the deceased, and Fr Jim Walsh, PP Kilmeena.
Members of Ian's family and closest friends participated in the Mass. Present at the Mass were many of Ian's classmates and teachers from Westport, along with his classmates and teachers and lecturers from GMIT. Also presented were Westport RFC, Westport GAA and Westport United FC, with members from each organisation forming guards of honour. Ian was buried after in Aughavale Cemetery. He is survived by his heartbroken parents Tina and Paul, brothers Andrew and Stephen, grandparents (Gerry,Jean, Tony, Kay) uncles, aunts and cousins in the McAleer and Browne families and his girlfriend Caragh Ryan.
Courtesy of the Mayo News
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