Mourners turned out in their hundreds to bid farewell to Ballyhaunis businessman George Delaney. Black funeral wreaths hung on the door of his hardware shop and public house on Bridge Street as the man synonymous with Ballyhaunis for the past eight decades was laid to rest on Friday.
Delaney's was a regular stop-off for visitors to the town since the 1950s and the community man could always be found in the family-run premises. In more recent years, he was a regular visitor to a second hardware outlet the family opened on the Claremorris road.
"He has left a huge legacy in his wake. "He was a man of great foresight, highly intelligent and loved to engage in conversation. He could communicate with young and old alike on any subject," recalled Cllr John Cribben.
"He was also very popular in farming circles. He was a farmer's man and a great man for the housewife. He was a great man for the banter and a great man to give advice," he added.
George Delaney was also a keen sportsman in his younger days, playing football and hurling. He was also a runner.
Ballyhaunis GAA club held a guard of honour on Friday morning last when his remains were taken from his home in Coolnaha to St Mary's Church, Tooreen for funeral Mass. He was laid to rest in Ballyhaunis Cemetery.
George is survived by his loving wife Annmarie, his six sons, two daughters and extended family.

Western People, 27th January 2014 Tweet

Most Read Stories