Henry Cleary, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 81, was a central player in the community life in the Claremorris region for many years. A native of Ballindine, Henry attended the local National School and proceeded to the newly opened St Colman's College in 1945, where he spent the next five years. It brought hm new and lasting friendships and a deeper love for the Claremorris area, where ultimately he would establish his home. Henry spent the vast part of his working life with the Post Office. On securing the exams for the Department of Post and Telegraphs, Henry joined the clerical staff of Claremorris Post Office. He progressed through the ranks and finally to senior management of the Claremorris postal region, which was one of the largest postal districts in the west of Ireland with over 40 branch post offices.
Henry was highly respected by all, a great motivator of staff and involved in many of the changes that took place in the organisation during that time. Closely associated with Ballindine in former times, Henry was one of the founding members of Ballindine GAA club (precursor to Davitts) and played a key role in acquiring the lands for their first football pitch. In those days, he was also secretary of the pioneer branch and produced and organised various plays and dances for parish causes.
A life-long member of the Pioneers Association, Henry wore his pen with great pride and was an example of the ability to enjoy an alcohol free lifestyle. Henry was a staunch supporter of all things native and Irish. He took a huge interest in cultural matters, the history of the country, the traditions that shaped the nation and, of course, the GAA.
Henry's great sporting passion was the GAA and he played with Ballindine, Roscommon Gaels and Claremorris. Shortly after joining the team at Claremorris Post Office, Henry and his wife Rita set up home on the Ballyhaunis Road beside the football pitch and it was no surprise that he became hugely involved with the Claremorris club.
Henry was appointed treasurer in the lat 1960s - a positive he held with distinction for 25 years - and during this time, together with others, played a key role in raising finance to develop the pitch, its sports complex and club house. One of Henry's proudest moments was in 1980 when his fellow club members awarded him Clubman of the Year for his service to the club.
Henry was a great reader of the game and his first trip to Croke Park was in 1951 to watch Mayo win Sam Maguire. He attended every single All-Ireland final over the next 61 years. Whilst a great Mayo supporter, Henry also followed various Cork teams due to his nephews and niece John, Denis and Nollag Cleary and more recently grand-nephew Damien Cahalane playing with various Cork teams.
In 1984, he experienced mixed joy when his nephews played with Cork beating Mayo in the All-Ireland U21 Final and again in 1989 when nephew John lined out against Mayo in the All Ireland senior final. In 1967, Henry married Rita Feerick and they enjoyed a great and happy 45 years together, raising five children and celebrating the arrival of 11 grandchildren.
As parents, Henry and Rita instilled in their children a great appreciation of education, sport and culture and always took great pride in their children's achievements as they pursued their own paths in life. Henry and Rita enjoyed a great social life together and loved dancing to all the great bands that played in their locality down through the years. Fr John Hughes OMA, who delivered the homily at the concelebrated Requiem Mass, told the congregation that faith and family were the core values in Henry's life. "He enjoyed many blessings and Rita, his wife of 45 years, was his rock and anchor."
Henry was a man of very strong faith and a daily mass attendant. He was a minister of the word in the parish church and had a very strong devotion to Padre Pio and particularly to St Therese of Liseux. 11 years ago, he spent a month on life support in Beaumont Hospital and he thanked St Therese for his restoration to full health and had her relic brought to many people in the locality in the intervening period. He also had a great love of music and played the button accordion. Coming from a farming background, he maintained a strong link with nature, while farming and gardening were hobbies he held all his life.
From sporting to other community organisations, Henry enjoyed working with people be it with the GAA, the Bingo Committee, the Athletic club, the Chamber of Commerce or various charity organisations, and he was never short of things to do and had a helping hand for everyone.
A founding member of the Claremorris Active Retirement Association - an organisation that encourages an active and participative society for the retired - Henry saw the potential of this movement to make such a positive contribution to society.
Henry had being coping with declining health in recent years, yet he never lost his zest for life, showing characteristic courage and fortitude to the end. During this time, he retained an amazing interest in local current affairs and national and world affairs and followed the sporting scene, especially GAA, with the same keen interest as when it had been such an integral part of his life.
President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina (nee Coyne-a first cousin of Henry's) were among the attendance at the Funeral Mass in St Colman's Church, Claremorris. Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen and many other well-known public representatives were also among the large congregation.
Henry lived a full life among the people and community he loved and was laid to rest in Balllindine Cemetery; almost back where his journey first began. Henry, who was predeceased by his brother Joe and sisters Ann, is survived by his wife Rita and family, Sean, Martina, Henry Edward, marguerite and Sinead, grandchildren, sisters Maudie and Evelyn, brother Edmund, the extended family circle, neighbours and friends.
Ar Dheis De go raibh a h-anam dilis, may he rest in peace.

Western People, 20th January 2014 Tweet

Most Read Stories